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#I actually rolled two captives for this class!
mochidoie · 9 months
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boyfriend material.
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jung jaehyun x gn!reader genre: fluff, fake dating cliche, strangers to lovers, slight angst wc: 6.2k warnings: sensual tension/implications, sfw kiss scene
Although you and Jaehyun had never spoken a word to each other before this class project, he asks you to be in a fake relationship in order to prove to his longtime crush that he is boyfriend material.
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“What if we fake dated?” Nearly choking on your spit, you peer up at the dimpled boy in mostly shock, but also curiosity at why the hell he would be desperate enough to ask such a bizarre request from you, his project partner.
The maximum amount of time you have known this man is probably less than 48 hours and despite being in the same class for the past semester, yesterday is the first time you two have actually exchanged words.
“You have to be out of your mind.” The question was a follow up to the story of his unrequited love, which you had been way too interested in from the start because anything is better than working on school work.
Being paired with Jaehyun for one of the biggest group projects of the year had not been your first pick, but you didn’t have much of a choice since your professor used a random generator to assign partners. 
Jaehyun barely knew of your existence two days ago, though, you really can’t blame him for your lack of attendance and participation. All you knew of him was that he was the guy with dimples and his name started with a J. But, that’s college. You don’t get to know much of anyone in your lectures or discussion classes. 
This is one of the only classes small enough for a partner project, being that it is a seminar class counted toward your major in order to graduate. You really could have gone through all of college without a single group project on your loop, but the universe tested you.
“Think about it, we could be killing two birds with one stone.” Jaehyun gleams, trying to close your heavy textbook to garner your attention. “I can prove to Rose that I am boyfriend material and you can prove to your friends that you’re not chronically single.”
“I really shouldn’t have confessed that I was chronically single. It gives you leverage to use it against me.” Sighing deeply, you narrow your eyes at this man that wears an innocent smile on his face. 
The chance to shut your friends’ chatter about your love life is incredibly tempting and Jaehyun is the perfect visual to introduce: charming smile, glossy eyes, deep dimples, tall, nice build. You just know all your friends would be smitten over a man like him.
“Say I agree to this ridiculous idea, how would we break up?” Your interest is captivated now, as you set your pen in the middle crease of the textbook and cross your arms over the table. 
“It could be a mutual split. If you want to spice it up, you can dump me or I can break up with you and I’ll cry about it to Rose. She’ll comfort me, realize I’m so boyfriend material and grow feelings for me.”  Jaehyun claps his hands together as if he made the most brilliant idea ever. 
Scoffing, you roll your eyes at how silly it sounded. Though, a part of you really wanted to show someone off so that your friends would stop trying to set you up with their weird coworkers or their desperate mutuals. 
As if you never thought you’d agreed to something as absurd as fake dating someone, you lean back in your seat and ask the one question that causes the moon crescents to appear on this handsome man’s fluffy cheeks:
“So, what’s the game plan?” 
THE GAME PLAN: BOYFRIEND MATERIAL 
Meet Cute: Jaehyun asked to borrow a charger and never gave it back. Professor does a random name generator for a partner project. You and Jaehyun are paired. The charger made its way back to its original owner in a fateful way. 
Who liked who first: you fell for that sexy baritone voice.
How he asked you out: A dozen roses and a candlelit dinner.
How long have you been dating: three weeks.
Favorite thing about one another: 
Y/N: cute stationary
Jaehyun: dimples
“Cute stationary?” You squint at his answer with disgust at how lame it is. “That is the best answer you could think of? People are really going to think we’re head over heels for each other.” The sarcasm in your tone is distinct, not going unnoticed by Jaehyun.
“Says the one that said dimples. How original.” Jaehyun fakely yawns, rolling his eyes at the hypocrisy. 
“I’m not going for uniqueness. I’m just making these answers easy enough for me to remember if asked.” 
“And we’re making me the forgetful one in the meet cute?” Jaehyun pretends to be offended. His hand rests on his chest, followed by a scoff. 
You’re growing to understand Jaehyun’s banter, finding that his question does hold some amount of irony. “Whatever, I have class in 15 minutes. Let’s quickly establish the rules and go on with our day.” 
RULES: BOYFRIEND MATERIAL
No kissing on the lips.
Don’t tell anyone about the fake relationship.
Sunday Recaps. 
Go to one social event with friends for each person. 
“That should be good for now.” You electronically sign your name on the document, sharing access rights to Jaehyun’s email. “We’ll add to it if needed.”
“Do you think it’ll work?” As you rush to pack your things into your backpack, you’re quizzically staring at how concerned Jaehyun looks asking his question. “Like, is it going to convince Rose how good of a boyfriend I’d be?”
“Well, you have to convince me first if you’d even be a good boyfriend before you start thinking about impressing your crush.” Zipping up, you wait for Jaehyun to make a move. Anything, this was essentially a cue. Nonetheless, he remains kicking his feet underneath the table and drifting off into space.
“Seriously?” You ask, arms crossed and weight barred on your left leg. Jaehyun’s eyebrows knit together in confusion, unable to read the bewilderness of your expression. 
“What?” 
This is going to be harder than you expected. What the hell did you just get yourself into?
“This is your cue to say you’re going to walk me to my class.” Your palm lands on your cheek, rubbing away the forming frustration you have for this man. He is far, far, far from boyfriend material. “Forget it.”
“No, wait-” Jaehyun clears the table of his things, shoving them carelessly into his backpack and hurrying to catch up to you. “I guess I forgot to mention that I don’t know the first thing about impressing someone.” 
You can’t help the laugh that slips from your lips, “oh, you clueless handsome man. It is such a good thing you’re attractive or else, it would be much harder for you.”
“That is a very backhanded compliment.” Jaehyun’s laugh is so robust that it rumbles your chest. It is your first time genuinely hearing it, as he has been stoic the whole day you two worked on your project. 
“We’ll get there,” you pat his shoulder and head toward the lecture doors, “I’ll send you a calendar invite for your first social event next week.” 
Jaehyun stands still, eyes scanning the floor and then back up at your fading figure. “Why are you so willing to help me?”
You stop, hand holding the handle to the door. Looking back at him, the smile on your face shocks him. “Because now I feel responsible for making you a good boyfriend.” With a wave goodbye, you disappear into the building.
Jaehyun puts his hands into his pocket and the white clouds float above him in the blue sky. A small smile creeps on his lips as a simple thought causes it to arise. “Favorite thing about y/n is that smile.” 
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“I feel like this is so abrupt. When did you two even start talking?” Your friend starts with the questioning. You had warned Jaehyun previously about the million questions you two were going to get tonight and told him to be prepared. Remember the game plan. 
“A little over a month ago. Jaehyun and I talked in class for the most part.” Stirring the straw in your drink, you’re wondering if your friends can see past your facade. 
“Y/N really likes to play hard to get.” Jaehyun takes control of the narrative, you’re perked up to hear what he has up his sleeve. “I asked for their number three separate times. The first being when I asked to borrow the charger, twice before the midterm, and the third when we were assigned as partners.”
“No wonder why you didn’t get your charger back for the longest time.” Another friend jokes and Jaehyun agrees so naturally. Your eyes scan his whole demeanor and he looks completely relaxed. A part of you had expected that he would flounder and be a nervous wreck in front of your friends. Nonetheless, he is doing great at his first social event. 
It is your good friend’s birthday celebration at a more upscale bar downtown. The formal attire was mandatory and you had spent the last hour picking up a last minute outfit for Jaehyun at his apartment. 
The two of you had already begun planting the social media seeds over the week. Random roses on a Tuesday afternoon. Dinner with a man’s hand holding the glass near the right side of the picture. Your scrunchie around his wrist as he takes his daily gym selfie. 
Your friends bombarded you with eye emojis, acting like detectives to figure out if you were seeing someone. Before you knew it, they were all telling you to invite him to the birthday celebration, which you already knew he’d get the invite for. Your friends were dying to meet him.
The moment you two had stepped in, eyes were instantly on you and watching your every step with Jaehyun in your arms. The attention made you sweat, mostly because you didn’t know how tonight would play out and because you’ve never been seen with a partner. 
However, as the night went on, Jaehyun was a real crowd pleaser. Truthfully, you had no idea how Jaehyun is as a person. You two barely know each other’s last names, but the impression you had of him was of a more shy and reserved man. Maybe it was the lack of talking you two shared in the first hour of your group project, but he was so enjoyable to be around.
“Hey, you doing alright?” Jaehyun wraps his arm around your waist, causing you to slightly cease action. He notices, leaning down to whisper into your ear. “Is it okay for me to touch you?”
His hot breath and deep raspy whisper against the shell of your ear actually made your knees weak. Your mind takes you to unimaginable places, scenes that you shouldn’t be thinking about with Jaehyun. The grip on your glass tightens and you’re nodding subtly. “Social battery is depleting. I think we should leave soon.”
“Yeah, it’s getting pretty chaotic over there. We should flee the scene before we get trapped in it.” He points to the small crowd forming near the barstools.
One of the mutuals of another friend is hunched over, gripping his stomach and practically dry heaving in the middle of the area. His face goes completely pale and you just knew he was going to projectile vomit in nearly ten seconds.
“Yeah, let’s go.” Your hand finds his out of instinct, maneuvering the both of you through incoming flocks of friends trying to get another word in. You’re saying your goodbyes while rushing out as fast as you can.
“It was lovely meeting you, Jaehyun!” Some call out and he is waving, bidding his goodbyes as if he is a celebrity to his fans.
One push and you’re out the door, into the chilly night that brushes a breeze on your arms. Finally, there is no one else around and no more small talk, you can breathe. “Wow, that was incredible.”
“I’m used to getting out of situations as fast as I can.” There goes that smile that Jaehyun likes, heart racing and all just by looking at you. “Especially with my friends. They’ll talk your ear off if you let them.” 
You’re fully aware that your fingers are still intertwined after escaping. Jaehyun’s hand is a bit rough due to the calluses on his palms from heavy weight lifting, but it feels nice. To be held, to be felt, to share warmth – your heart is running a marathon all on its own. 
“Sorry.” Mumbling, your hands separate in seconds. Jaehyun sheepishly puts them in his pockets and averts his gaze awkwardly. For a moment, you forgot where your boundaries lie. 
“Can I drive you home?” Jaehyun kindly asks. He beckons over at his car parked on the curb and hopes for you to follow.
“But I live the opposite way.” The reluctance causes your body to freeze up, standing in place. At the end of it all, Jaehyun and you were barely friends. Possibly, your mind is still very much aware of that.
Jaehyun almost starts with a whole thing about it being dangerous at night, but he realizes you really didn’t need to hear all of that. It would’ve been an earful anyway and he just needed you to get into the car without feeling bad. 
“I know, but I don’t mind.” He says, opening the door to the passenger side for you. Taken aback, you’re wondering if something happened to Jaehyun overnight for this sudden charm he is exuding.
Perhaps the stars in the night sky are playing tricks on you, but you’re beginning to see Jaehyun in a new light.
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“So, you’re completely over Rosie?”  There seems to be a pattern amongst yours and Jaehyun’s group of friends. Both sides seem skeptical about the two of you dating, often questioning details about how legit this relationship is.
It’s going to be the 4th week mark – one month of keeping up these charades, but making your very fake relationship just shy of two months. No rules have been broken and you’re building your friendship very well with all the time you two spend together.
You’re at the first social event for Jaehyun. Unlike him, you aren’t one to control a crowd and his friends aren’t like yours where they’d talk endlessly. The anticipation of finally meeting Jaehyun’s crush also dawned on you, her name being mentioned very frequently.
“It would be really weird if I wasn’t.” Laughing dryly, he brings you closer by the waist and into his side. To any outsider perspective, it would look as though Jaehyun is trying to non-verbally reassure you like a good boyfriend would. It doesn’t draw much attention, it’s a light-hearted response to an awkward question. He is learning very well.
To you, it feels very staged and you’re trying your best to hide the warmth you’re feeling from how intimate you two look together. “I don’t mean to offend you. Rosie was Jaehyun’s previous fling and it felt very unfinished.” 
The way that Jaehyun had described their relationship didn’t seem like a fling, though you know how people use that word quite loosely nowadays. “It’s hard when you’re each other’s firsts.”
Suddenly, a chill runs down your spine and your heart drops to your stomach. This feeling washing over you is foreign, but familiar all at once. The grip on your waist retreats and Jaehyun looks like a deer caught in headlights. A crucial detail seems to be left out and the way your body reacts to it is a surprise to you.
His friends seem to understand the situation, without any exchange of words. They clear their throats and Jaehyun looks about ready to kill someone. “It was a while ago though!”
“Yeah, they barely ever see each other anymore.” His other friend tries to put a bandage on the situation, chuckling nervously at the shift in atmosphere.
Jaehyun's social event is turning out quite terribly.
“Jae?” A voice calls for everyone’s attention. It’s a sweet and delicate cadence, you would believe it if it came from a princess or fairy of sorts. When you all turn to face the owner of that gentle voice, you’re met with someone even more beautiful. 
Something deep inside told you that she had to be Rosie and Jaehyun affirmed it with the look in his eyes. “It’s been awhile.” He gravitates toward her, tunnel vision where she stands at the end of it. Jaehyun speaks to her as if there is no one else in the room, including you.
And although you two aren’t actually dating, the needles in your chest are causing you great distress. Watching him walk toward another person with hearts in his eyes doesn’t exactly make you feel joyous. It is even worse knowing that you’re supposed to be his pretend partner and you’re too stunned to make a move.
Having to remind yourself that she is the sole reason this arrangement exists in the first place, you collect your emotions and breathe deeply. You follow behind Jaehyun, strutting up and wrapping your arm around his. However, Rose doesn’t notice and her wide eyes look at you in excitement.
“We haven’t met, I’m Rose.” She is quick to pull you into a hug. It startles you, patting her shoulder lightly at how harmonious she is.  You didn’t have much of an image of how she was like, but it wasn’t this. 
Starting with your introductions, her facial expressions are incredibly expressive: a mixture of  enthusiasm and surprise. “Jaehyun mentioned that he was bringing a special someone.” Dang it, even her attitude is super cheery. “You are absolutely stunning, I hope Jaehyun is treating you well.”
Here is your cue. “Jaehyun has been the best. I feel like I can’t live my life without him now.” Look over. Loving eye contact. Smile. “I feel like I got really lucky with him.”
Jaehyun knows you’re playing your part, but the churning in his stomach has to be butterflies making their rounds. He hasn’t felt much affection in a while and so he can’t tell if these feelings stem from lack of affirmations or because it's coming from you.
“Aw, you’re the cutest.” Rose gives you the lightest touch on your wrist, an electrifying buzz that you want more of. A fleeting feeling. “I’ll leave you two lovebirds to chat because I am totally being a third wheel right now.”
Rose makes her exit before you two could protest. Turning toward Jaehyun, you’re mumbling underneath your breath, “I can see why you’re absolutely in love with her.”
“More of a mild infatuation, I would say.” He leans up against the wall, pulling you into him so he can hear you better. Your hips touch as he lazily wraps his arm around your back. 
“Way out of your league, I would say.” You cross your arms, scoffing. “We have our work cut out for us. It’s probably going to be harder than we thought to convince her you’re the perfect boyfriend.”
Somehow Jaehyun looks even hotter rolling his eyes, paired with a small smirk on his lips and a dimple on his right cheek. “I just love chasing people out of my league.”
There is a brief moment of silence between the both of you, staring into each other’s eyes with an unknowing gaze of understanding. In this suffocating intimacy, you could kiss him, open mouth and completely devour him. He could do the same, tasting your hot lips coated in your expensive lip gloss.
So why don’t you? 
Why doesn’t he? 
No kissing on the lips. 
Nonetheless, you break the intense gaze and ignore all the pent up lust you’re feeling in your chest. Bringing your hand to lightly brush away Jaehyun’s loose strands, he catches your wrist mid way.
You watch as he does the unpredictable: soft lips puckered up against the inside of your wrist. Your heart is pounding in your ears, unable to pull away from how much you’re craving him.
All these impure sensual feelings for Jaehyun came to the surface. It’s easy to admit that he is very attractive and if only he knew how to use his charm, he could have anyone in the palm of his hands. The only thing keeping you from falling for him is the sheer fact that he wouldn’t like you back. 
No rules against developing feelings for one another, but that doesn’t mean that you should. It was a mental note you kept for yourself to save you a chance at heartache. 
“There aren’t any rules against kissing you anywhere else.” Jaehyun whispers against your skin and slowly drops your hand back to your side.
You can’t let it show how much that affected you, how it practically almost caused you to backtrack on this fake dating situation and to jump into his arms. “I didn’t think there was another part of me you’d kiss.” 
“Trust me, there is.” His words could have a million different implications, but somehow you knew just what he was referring to. It shakes your core, bubbles your insides. You’re left without any response and no other thoughts in your head besides ripping his clean linen shirt off of his body.
“Hey lovebirds, come and join us for a toast.” Saved by the bell. Jaehyun takes you by your hand, intertwining your fingers. 
You send him a quick glare, “we will be talking about this during Sunday Recap.”
“Oh, I plan to.” Jaehyun chuckles, full of soul and banter. As he leads you to join the rest of the crowd, you’re bewildered at the heightened emotions that stick to your chest.
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“I think it’s working. Rose asked me if I was free to hang out with her sometime next week.” Jaehyun ever so nonchalantly plants himself on your plush couch. “She never asks me to hang out first.”
“Mhm, that’s great.” You’re partially listening, as you’re fixing up a story to post on your social media of the flower bouquet that Jaehyun bought on his way to your place. “Have fun.”
“Are you actually listening?” He scoffs. Watching your figure walk toward him, you lean down to show him your phone. The image of flowers displayed on your marble countertop with the note very visibly showing who they’re from. Jaehyun nods in approval, hitting the post button before you could triple check yourself.
“Yeah, I’m listening. You and Rose are hanging out next week, I’m glad this charade is working out for you.” There is a small edge in your tone that doesn’t go unnoticed by Jaehyun. He eyes you from the side, trying to decipher the attitude that laces your words.
Something about your demeanor feels off and he’s gotten to know you enough to know that something is bothering you for your lips to turn into a frown. “What are we recapping this Sunday?” He finds that it’s probably best to move on to another topic. 
“Why didn’t you tell me that you guys were each other’s firsts?” Sitting next to him, you face him with frustrated furrowed brows and an annoyed expression. 
“I didn’t think it was important to mention.” You hated how carefree Jaehyun could be. It makes you feel like you’re overreacting, and in this instance, you could be.
“It’s a bit important. This entire time I thought Rose didn’t like you because you were some lame loser that couldn’t pull someone like her.” Your honesty doesn’t fall short today. It’s as if the more you think about the issue, the more annoyed you get.
Jaehyun, quite offended by that statement, sits up from his normally relaxed position as he is ready to defend himself. “You thought that lowly of me?” 
“You made it seem that way.” Throwing your hands in the air, you try to control how loud your voice is growing.
“Or maybe that is just how you perceived me.” He pauses, “Rose and I dated very briefly, three months at most. She broke up with me because I was a bad boyfriend.”
The news of them dating seems to piece all the clues together. The way that Jaehyun looks at Rose makes more sense, it was a look of longing and regret. Rose approached him with full control of the situation, affirming that her decision to break up with him is justified. 
“I didn’t buy her flowers, even when she asked. There was a night when it rained and I knew she was on campus without an umbrella, I left her out there because I fell asleep. When we hung out with our friends, I would ignore her.” 
You’re taken aback at how negligent Jaehyun had been. “So why did you act that way if you like her so much?”
“I took her for granted and I didn’t know how to be someone’s boyfriend.” It is obvious how long Jaehyun had thought about this. He is too self aware to not have. “She wasn’t going to take me back after I fucked up like that, so I thought it would be good to show her through someone else. How I’ve changed.” 
“How do I know it’s not all for show? As if you’re only doing these things to convince everyone you’re boyfriend material until she takes you back and you revert back to your ways.” Your eyes dart to the vase of flowers on your kitchen counter. “There’s no heart in what you do.”
“Are we talking about me and Rose or me and you now?” Jaehyun hits you where it hurts – right in your chest. You’re too stunned to speak, the realization falling on you like heavy bricks. 
“Why don’t we talk about us?” You clear your throat, flashback of Jaehyun kissing your wrist entering your thoughts. “What was that the other night?” 
Jaehyun doesn’t bother playing dumb. “I was really in the moment.” He rests his elbows on his knees, leaning forward and rubbing his hands together. “Looking into your eyes… they’re so mesmerizing, like you understand me with just one look. It causes my heart to swell for you.” 
“You like Rose.” 
“I do, but I’m not blind.” He shoots you a glare. “You’re really going to think that I don’t find you attractive the entire time we've spent together, being intimate with you even if it's fake.” 
“It’s not that, Jaehyun.” You sigh, “I find you attractive too, but you have to remember the original reason we’re doing this.”
“And I do. But I can’t help the feelings that surface when I’m with you.” Visibly frustrated, you both take a second to pause in the conversation to recollect yourselves. His chest heaves up and down, trying to process these feelings now that he has finally admitted them out loud. 
You are trying to keep your composure cool, but it’s hard to bite your tongue from every tight restriction in your heart. You might actually like Jaehyun and it’s not something you are prepared to face.
“I think we dug our heels a little too deep.” Breaking the silence, you look up at Jaehyun with a kinder and more empathetic expression. The heat in the room is suffocating, all the tension filling the crevices in the walls.
“Perhaps, but I wouldn’t have done this with anyone else.” Jaehyun sits up, facing you with a marvel in his eyes and adoration flooding his pupils. “You’re absolutely incredible, in every way.” 
It’s your turn to hold his wrist when he reaches to brush your cheek, “Jae, I think we might have to call it quits.”
“What? But we didn’t break any of the rules.” The sheer sadness in his eyes is painful to witness. It’s like watching a young boy learn how to sacrifice something for the greater good. Jaehyun didn’t want to lose you.
“I broke the one rule I kept to myself and it was not to develop feelings for you.” His wrist drops from your grasp. “I can’t do it anymore, Jaehyun.” 
“You fell for me?”
“How could I not? You’re such a great boyfriend to me, even if it was fake.” Sighing, you ponder if you should continue. “I’m irritated at how you’d buy me flowers, but it’s a bouquet of my favorite ones. I can’t take it every time you’re so insistent about driving me home to ensure I make it back safe. You get along with my friends like you’ve known them forever. When you look at me in the midst of a crowd and it’s just us two.” 
You’re biting back tears that threaten to form at the rim and gripping tightly at the end of your shirt. This is all a tough pill for the both of you to swallow. It’s almost as if Jaehyun didn’t consider this a possibility when he had asked you to fake date. He thought that since he was so infatuated with Rose, he wouldn’t feel anything for anyone else. On top of that, he knew you saw him as some loser. 
“I think we need to just step back from this for a second and take some time to ourselves. I’ve been seeing you every week–”
“But I want to see you every week.” Jaehyun doesn’t mean to be so difficult and in fact, he is usually one to just agree and follow through another person’s decision. However, something within him wants to fight for you. 
“I can’t keep ignoring how I feel for you and it’s unfair to all three of us moving forward.” The hope and joy in your face is evidently depleting. Jaehyun can’t do anything to fix it.
“What does this mean for our project then?” 
“Well, there isn’t any more group work for us to need to see each other. We can complete our individual parts and upload it to the sheet.” It’s like you’ve already thought this through all on your own and prepared for all the counterarguments he was going to have.
Jaehyun scoffs in disbelief and starts grabbing his jacket. “I understand where you’re coming from, I’ll give you the space you need.” 
You can’t even look at him, knowing that you’re not brave enough to face the hurt and pain on his expression. It’s all already in his voice. “Thank you, Jaehyun. I hope you have fun with Rose.” 
With that, he makes his exit from your apartment. The weight on your shoulders is lifted and despite the hole in your chest, you feel like this was one of the better options. The other being that you just suppressed the feelings until they finally got together, but you realized it may have caused you more harm than ease.
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In the midst of Rose talking, Jaehyun finds himself wondering about how you were doing. He hasn’t been able to stop this sinking feeling in his chest since he left your apartment. The lingering thought of you remains well intact, every little thing makes him want to reach out.
“Jae, are you here or did I lose you somewhere else?” Rose chuckles at the stunned boy.
Perking up, he focuses back on the conversation that he had tuned out of a while ago. If you had asked him two weeks ago how excited he was about this hang out with Rose, he would’ve said that he was through the roof. Now, he isn’t sure how he’s feeling.
“I’m sorry, Rosie.” That’s all he could do, Jaehyun knows this too well. “I’ve just got other things on my mind lately.”
“Are things not going well between you and y/n?” She tilts her head and her eyebrows furrowed together, lending a friendly ear. 
Jaehyun shrugs, completely unsure how he could explain the situation with you. “We got into a fight. A lot of feelings became involved that I didn’t know how to handle or react to.” 
Rose sighs, “we used to fight a lot and one thing I hated was that you never came back for me.” Her fingers lightly dance around the rim of her glass. “I know you take time to process your emotions, but the other person will never know how you’re feeling or how you felt if you don’t tell them.” 
He remains quiet, absorbing the advice that Rose is giving. This hangout was supposed to be one where he got her back with him, not one where she consoles him on his current fake relationship with you.
“I think y/n brings out a side of you that I didn’t get when we were together.” Rose admits, giving a soft and knowing smile. “However, I feel like they’re the only person that gets to have that side of you. I don’t want you to lose that shine that they bring out of you. You’re absolutely radiant together.” 
Jaehyun seriously cannot believe what he is hearing. She asks the waiter for the bill and is packing up her things. “Wait, Rose. We’re done here?” 
“Jaehyun, you and I both know that we were done a long time ago.” Rose gives Jaehyun a light squeeze on the wrist. “You should see the way you look at y/n, it’s full of want and excitement.” 
There is a brief moment of realization for Jaehyun. The overwhelming emotions overtake him and before he knows it, he’s running out the door of the restaurant and on his way to the one place he’s been holding back from heading to: the flower shop below your apartment. 
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You’re typing the last bit of your part of the project, nearly trying every way to not engage with the thought of Jaehyun. The take out boxes of dinner scatter your counter as you speedily work your way through long paragraphs. 
The one thing you knew was that Jaehyun had been out with Rose and the pain from that discovery stuck to your heart like glue. You were better off with numerous distractions than thinking about how heavenly of a time he must be having with the literal love of his life.
The sound of your doorbell halts your ruthless typing. With curiosity, you approach the door. You weren’t expecting anyone tonight, so it was strange that there would be someone looking for you. Through the peephole, Jaehyun stands there in all of his glory.
You’re practically tearing down your door at the sight of him, bewildered and slightly annoyed at the sight of him. “What are you doing here?” 
“Something I should’ve done that night at the party.” Before you could fully process his presence, Jaehyun dives into you with lips firmly pressed against yours.
His hot hands cup both of your cheeks, dropping the bouquet of your favorite flowers he had picked up on his way here. But none of that truly mattered more than finally kissing you. 
Your heart swells at the passion that Jaehyun kisses with, it’s loving and strong. Something about it suits him perfectly, like a puzzle piece that completes the picture. Kissing you confirmed everything that Jaehyun had been feeling up to this point.
Fireworks exploding in his chest, he feels an abundance of endorphins lighting his system. Jaehyun has been into you all along. He couldn’t pinpoint why it had been so easy with you, like there were no expectations held against him to be someone extraordinary.
He found himself buying you flowers, but not just anything simple or generic. It had to be your favorite, just so he could see the way your eyes light up at the sight of them. He had to be the one to take you home, making sure he got to spend every second he could with you and that he was the one that got you there safely. 
He wanted to impress your friends, knowing how much they meant to you. And when he looks in the midst of a crowd, all he sees is you.  
Your grip on his shirt almost makes him not want to let go, like you’re so afraid of him going away again. Nonetheless, he takes your hands into his and pulls away. The look of pure shock on your face makes him chuckle, a full robust laugh from the chest. He could kiss you again right then and there.
“You’re so cute when you do that.” Jaehyun smiles gently, holding you in his arms so lovingly like he has done so before. This feels incredibly familiar to him, but it no longer feels like a show. This feeling is very real and the swelling in his chest is very much aching at the sight of you. He wants to give you the world.
“We broke our first rule.” Your mind draws a blank after the kiss and Jaehyun smiling before you as if you two hadn’t ended things a week ago. He picks up the bouquet of your favorite flowers, handing them toward you with inviting eyes.
“No more rules, no more fake dating. I want the real thing.” Jaehyun swallows his spit, noticing how dry his throat had gotten at his confession. You’re staring at him as if he was seriously out of his mind. “With you.” 
And you didn’t think that at the end of all of this, Jaehyun would be at your door with a bouquet of flowers asking you to be his. You proved to Jaehyun that he could love another, while being a better person for them. You truly brought out his boyfriend material, proving to the whole world that Jung Jaehyun is only boyfriend material for you.
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biblio-smia · 5 months
Text
so bitter!
masterlist | requests are open!
pairing: clapton davis x reader
warnings: nsfw content!!!
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there should be a law against wearing tank tops in school. actually, there was - just one that only applied to girls.
which meant that clapton davis could walk around with his arms looking like that.
you were staring from two cafeteria tables away, eyes unable to stay off clapton for longer than a few seconds. your self-control was being tested, this torture a punishment from the universe.
you really should've never let him fuck you.
you don't realize your name is being called until your friend is snapping her fingers in your face, forcing your eyes to snap back to her (though you keep the distant outline of clapton, just to the left of her head, in your peripheral).
"huh?" you ask, willing your eyes not to flicker back - there was still a chance for you to dig yourself out of this without any of your friends ever knowing.
"nevermind," your friend sighs, rolling her eyes before giving you a look that you avoid by picking at the food on your tray. "who were you staring at?" she turns around, searching the cafeteria for a mere hint of the person who had captivated your attention.
"i wasn't staring at anyone," you lie smoothly, shoving a spoonful of whatever's on your tray to mask any strange inflections of your voice. "i just spaced out."
"you've been doing that a lot lately," your friend says, clearly not convinced.
you roll your eyes in response, grateful when your other friend finally escapes the lunch line and rejoins your group, the topic quickly switching over to an upcoming calc quiz.
though talking about calc makes you think of the time clapton made a very impressive 14% on his test, presenting the paper to you with a grin that should've indicated something at least higher than a C.
"seriously, our class average would be, like, 20% higher if it weren't for you," you cross your arms with a small huff, warm breath making a small cloud in the cold air. clapton skates slowly beside you, weaving around without even having to look at the road under or in front of him - no, his eyes won't leave you.
clapton just grins again. he loves seeing you get worked up about the things he does, the concern you have for him presenting itself in indirect ways that make clapton's heart ache for more.
he's beginning to guide his skateboard to the right, in the opposite direction you'll be going, ready to wave goodbye, when you stop.
"what are you doing?" clapton doesn't think your crossed arms are just to protect yourself against the cold.
"going... home?" clapton sounds confused, but his heart is starting to pick up at the increasing possibility of an alternative suggestion.
"to do what? not study, i'm sure. you just don't learn your lesson, clapton."
clapton holds his bottom lip tightly between his teeth, though it's not enough to contain his smile. "maybe i need a better teacher?"
your eyes roll but your lips smile. you turn your back to clapton, starting off in the direction of your house, smiling as you hear the sound of wheels rolling against the road following behind you.
you get about ten minutes of studying done before you're in clapton's lap, one of his hands under your shirt and the other creating a nasty crease at the bottom of his forgotten calc test as clapton holds on tightly to the edge of your desk for balance.
where did that test go? you remember clapton's hand slipping, knocking a few things on your desk over as he steadied you, removing his hold on you to take off the shirt he had been wearing-
you cross your legs, heat in your face as you will those memories away. there's a heat on your back as your body remembers how clapton had touched you that night. you check your friends carefully, watching them engage in an intense conversation about whether or not they could've pulled stu macher, before allowing your eyes to glance around the cafeteria casually, hoping to catch at least one more glimpse of clapton while avoiding getting caught.
your eyes pass over his spot once, twice, before the fact that he is gone settles in. an alarm in your head goes off - clapton from a distance is safe, but on the move, location unknown? clapton is unpredictable.
you're busy scanning the cafeteria for that obnoxious teal shirt, too focused on making sure clapton davis is a safe distance away to notice your friends go quiet, looking over at the boy who'd taken a seat beside you.
"hey," that stupidly smooth voice says and your eyes calmly shift to land on clapton. you're careful not to visibly react - you can hear your friends already. "you and clapton?" you could see the looks they'd give you, purely out of concern. because really, when has clapton davis ever been serious about anything? you weren't sure that'd suddenly change for you.
it's too quiet, clapton's head moving curiously closer, more of his face coming into your line of sight. your eyes betray you, landing on his flexed arm that rests on the cafeteria table and you're up, rolling your eyes and huffing as you usually do at clapton - though this time he feels it more personally, mouth slightly agape as he watches you walk away. usually he does something to deserve this, winding you up on purpose more often than not. but clapton is feeling as clueless as he feels in chemistry, left dumbfounded by your avoidance of him. had he done something?
guilt eats you up immediately, merciless as it twists your stomach into knots. you sit in the bathroom, on a closed toilet seat, loud chattering all around you as you stare at your IMs with clapton.
your fingers type and delete, type and delete. god, whatever. the bell rings and you bite down that sick feeling, deciding you'll apologize to clapton when you inevitably see him in the hall.
of course, you chicken out. you can't even look at clapton, much less talk to him, a voice in the back of your head convincing you you'll slam him against the lockers and make out with him right there, in front of everyone. it was probably telling you the truth, anyway, your desire to get your hands on clapton outweighing any rational thoughts that included public decency. god, what was wrong with you?
so you avoid clapton in the halls. and in class. and walking out of class. and walking out of school. you're almost running home, knowing clapton could easily catch up and confront you right there. there was really no telling what you were capable of with him in that stupid fucking shirt.
though you still feel sorry. you conjure up images of what clapton could've looked like as you blatantly ignored him and in each one, he looks heartbroken.
well, it wasn't like you were dating.
though maybe a small part of you wished you were.
clapton continues to bother you as the sun sets and the moon takes its place. he won't let you concentrate on the essay due next monday or on the chemistry lab you had to write a reflection on. everything reminds you of him, from the neon green bracelet of his he's left on your desk to the book he'd flipped through while sitting in the chair you're currently occupying, feet propped up on your desk as if your space was also his. and it was, in a way. even your bed has been tainted permanently with bits of clapton, no amount of laundry able to rid your sheets of clapton davis's signature scent. there's small marks in the wood of your headboard, too, just to make sure you wouldn't be able to trick yourself into forgetting clapton had ever been in your room (and on top of you).
you give up on work, brushing your teeth and saying goodnight to your parents unusually early, hoping you'll fall asleep quickly and forget all about clapton. but something won't let you sleep and the lack of distractions only makes you think of clapton even more.
you'd really like to pull your hair out. angrily, you reach for your phone, hit on clapton's stupid picture, start punching the small buttons on your phone repeatedly until a message sends before you can even deliberate.
come over. - 11:39 p.m
read. almost instantly. no response. you're not sure if this means clapton will be here in a few minutes or not, though you're not really sure you can blame him if he ignores you like you had ignored him.
but then your phone buzzes and a new message alert has appeared.
outside - 11:43 p.m
you hear footsteps outside and you instinctively shove your phone under your pillow, turning over and pretending to be asleep as the door of your room creaks open, only for a moment, closing again when your parent is satisfied with what they see.
you wait until the footsteps recede, envisioning the route from your room to your parents', quietly counting the seconds until you're sure it's safe.
shit prnts r still awake - 11:45 p.m wait? - 11:45 p.m
sure - 11:45 p.m
the thought of clapton only a few feet away, separated only by a wall and a window, excites you, heart racing as you wait 5 minutes, 10, calculating how long it'd realistically take your parents to fully fall asleep. you're trying to be patient but you really can't wait another minute and you can't imagine how clapton has managed it.
ok - 12:02 a.m
you don't even wait for clapton to read the message, jumping out of bed to open the window and push the screen loose, wiggling it out of place and sticking your head out, searching the dark night for clapton.
he makes an appearance as he rises from his seat against the side of your house, letting you help him as he gets one leg over your windowsill, one of his hands resting on it while another hangs onto yours for support. he swings his other leg in, jumping softly into your room and softly shutting the now-screenless window behind him.
and there he is again, in a black graphic muscle tee and sweatpants, thoroughly distracting you without even meaning to. at least, you assumed he didn't mean to.
clapton turns back to you and you wonder how he's grinning after the way you'd treated him at school, after you'd made him wait outside for seventeen minutes with no guarantees of sex.
and that's when you realize that's what you like about clapton - even now, after you demanded he come over at midnight, after you have had sex in this room more than a handful of times, clapton expects nothing. he does not think he has a right to your body, does not move to touch or kiss you, does not assume anything. he simply stands there, still smiling, waiting, quietly wondering what it is you needed him here for.
you'd really like to kiss him, but you're worried it'll come out softer than you usually kiss clapton.
instead, you hug him.
you've never done that before. but clapton's arms wrap around you naturally, letting you slot against him with a sigh. clapton is uncharacteristically quiet, though you can tell he still doesn't expect anything from you. and that makes you feel even worse.
"i'm sorry," you mumble, shame hot on your face.
"what's that?"
"i'm sorry," you repeat, pulling away from clapton, not realizing he heard you perfectly fine the first time until you see that stupid smile on his face. you frown, hit his unbelievably hard arm. "i'm serious."
"yeah, i bet," clapton jokes, though his smile begins to fade when your eyes start to get angry. "it's fine," he shrugs, hoping to cheer you up before your mood dips to a point of no return.
"it's not." your arms are crossed again, though this time clapton tries to determine how much frustration is directed at him and how much is reserved for yourself.
clapton is close to panicking, pulling your arms apart and quietly willing you not to be upset, realizing he only has a few more chances for his jokes to cheer you up until they will eventually have the opposite effect. "you think i'd lie to you?" he grins easily, still holding on lightly to your wrists, giving you a chance to step out of his grasp if you'd like to.
you wouldn't like to.
you're trying not to get frustrated (or rather, not take it out on clapton, again), exhaling deeply and swinging your arms, still lightly linked with clapton's.
"you'd probably lie to me for five dollars."
clapton scoffs, offended. "five? it'd at least have to be ten."
finally, you crack a smile and a weight on clapton's shoulders lifts.
"wow," you say dryly. "i didn't know i meant that much to you," you laugh through your words, clearly joking.
but now clapton is strangely serious, a side that you've never seen before almost scaring you, clapton's voice so quiet you almost convince yourself you've imagined it all.
"you do."
you're not sure who leaned in first (honestly, probably, you), but your lips are on clapton's and your hands are in his dark curls like you've done too many times before. you're too scared to kiss him softly like you've been dying to, to take your time with him like you've imagined over and over. your pace steadily increases, hands lightly tugging on clapton's hair, his hands slipping in and out of the bottom of your shirt. you can tell he's trying not to make noise by the way his breath catches in his throat when you pull off, breathing heavily. you stare at each other for too long - you finally allow yourself to indulge in what's been on display the entire day, your hands letting clapton know exactly what's been on your mind today.
clapton almost laughs as your hands run up and down his arms, cheeky smile as he flexes underneath your touch. he knew it - he could feel the heat of your stare from across the cafeteria though he'd never been quick enough to catch you.
clapton is about to crack another joke, to tease you about your staring problem, when your mouth is on his again, shutting him up before he could even begin to speak. your kiss is rougher this time, hands balling up the fabric of clapton's airy shirt, until clapton decides he's had enough and pulls away to strip himself of the black-dyed cotton. he pulls you onto your bed, sitting up against your fluffy pillows.
he watches, hungrily now, as you settle into his lap, his breath coming out raspy as you immediately attach yourself to his neck, making marks that might not disappear by monday. clapton wonders what's made you suddenly so possessive, only for a second before your mouth finds a spot that makes clapton whine.
"shhh," you whisper, pressing kisses down clapton's neck as he holds onto your hips, tent in his pants growing with the idea that bruises made by you will linger on his skin even after he leaves.
clapton's hand reaches for your head as you move further away, guiding you gently back to his neck, tilting his head for you. "more, please," he rasps out, too desperate to be embarrassed.
you laugh, thinking he doesn't really mean it, kissing his lips instead. your tongue slips inside his mouth, kisses sloppy and warm as they usually are. clapton's fingers are messing with the waistband of your pajama bottoms and your hands clutch onto the back of his neck.
neither of you care as your noses press into each other, disconnected and reconnected mouths making sounds that make that warm feeling in the pit of your stomach grow.
you roll your hips and clapton fully moans into your mouth, eyes evidently hazy when you pull away for air. your hand slips down to clapton's sweatpants, resting on him gently but refusing to give him anything more. clapton works for it, moving his hips up into your hand, biting his lip to keep from being too loud. you'd almost forgotten how desperately clapton davis craved your touch, craved the feeling of being inside you, doing almost anything you'd tell him just for the feeling of you against him.
you indulge him, tugging on clapton's sweatpants and palming him through his boxers. his face is in your shoulder, quiet moans muffled by you.
clapton is respectful, even now. his hands pull at your shirt but don't take it off. though, his grip on your hips tighten, his face strains. you roll off of him, strip yourself completely. he barely has time to admire you before he pulls his own bottoms off, kicking them off your bed as you grab one of the condoms taped to the top of one of your drawers.
clapton is already starting to drip pre-cum at the sight of you, hurrying to take the foil package from you. he opens it with his teeth, a trick he learned solely to impress you, getting it on with slightly-trembling hands.
you slide back onto your bed, letting clapton kiss you as he gently lies you down on your pillows - always making sure you're comfortable. he climbs on top of you, careful not to drop his weight on top of you, kissing the skin of your shoulders and chest as your hands rest on his toned shoulders. his arms look incredible, hands on either side of your body as clapton lifts himself up.
you let yourself look at him for a second, pulling his face into his hands. you watch his slightly-confused expression, his eyes eventually focusing on yours. not your body, not your lips. he's staring straight into you, asking no questions about your sudden need to admire him. and then he leans in, placing an unusually gentle kiss on your lips, feather-light and almost not there at all.
and then he's asking you if you're ready, like he always does, placing his mouth against your shoulder to muffle his moans as he carefully slips inside of you and finally gives you what you've been wishing for all day.
clapton lies next to you after you finish, condom tied up and thrown out, both of you cleaned up with the help of wet wipes and towels you kept handy.
clapton was unusually quiet and you were beginning to tally all the times he had acted out of character today. usually, he'd be cracking jokes, trying to kiss you obnoxiously, because when has clapton davis ever been serious about anything?
not tonight, though. he's starting to worry you with his silence. did he fall asleep? no, you hear him shift beside you. you dare to look over and see clapton on his side, head propped up on an arm. he's biting the inside of his cheek, a nervous habit you recognize by now.
you lay there for a few moments, anxiety almost fully settled in before clapton finally speaks.
"you know," clapton starts, voice nervous like you've never heard it before. you turn to give him your full attention, though you're not sure if that makes it better or worse. "you know... you know i like you, right?"
that takes you by surprise. it shouldn't; obviously clapton has to like you to some degree to be here. but if he's saying what you think he's saying-
"like... i like you. like, i want to take you out on a date. jesus, how many times am i gonna say like?"
you can't help but laugh, clapton rubbing his forehead with his palm.
clapton smiles again, more familiar now, but it's still a little nervous. if you'd rest against his chest right now, you're sure you'd hear his heart racing.
you're biting your lip, too, not sure how to reply. because the feelings you've realized you have for clapton terrify you. not out of shame or embarrassment, but of pure fear that clapton won't take anything between the two of you seriously.
you're too quiet and clapton has always hated the silence, a need to fill it pushing him to take on the role of class clown.
"stupid, right? that's, like, the one thing that wasn't supposed to happen." clapton laughs his usual charming laugh, as if the entire thing was no big deal.
he almost fooled you.
"i like you, clapton davis," you admit out loud for the first time after a moment, catching clapton himself by surprise. "i mean, i seriously hate how much i like you."
clapton laughs again, but you can tell it's genuine this time. he turns to you again, watching your face but detecting no deception. he knows you're mostly joking, but he doesn't have to ask why the part that isn't joking said that.
he knows how careless he can be. his go-with-the-flow attitude let him accept whatever you'd give him, but it'd almost driven you away, too. as clapton realized how much he really cared, you'd thought that he had not really cared at all, pushing him away as you discovered your own growing love to try and prevent yourself from getting hurt. it was a real mess.
"i, um," clapton starts, not quite great with words that aren't strung together to make people laugh. "really care about you. in the way that i'd stand outside your window for an hour if you wanted me to and i wouldn't even ask for sex." clapton cringes at the example but to his relief, you laugh. "and i can't promise you i won't hurt you but i fully give you permission to, like, chop my dick off or something if i do."
"clapton-"
"i'm serious!" clapton laughs, relieved that you're laughing along with him. "i'll sign a waiver. just let me take you out on an actual date?" he asks hopefully, spinning one of his bracelets around his wrists nervously.
clapton grins so wide his cheeks hurt when you nod, smiling as he is. "yeah, okay."
he doesn't wait to long to cup your face and kiss you, making sure his mouth presses against yours slowly and carefully, trying to pour all the things he can't figure out how to say into the kiss. you seem to get it, letting clapton rub his thumb over your cheek gently and look at you for a few moments after you separate. he wipes the corner of your lips, large fingers dragging along the high points of your face.
"i should go," he says finally, quietly, reluctantly.
"you could go in the morning," you say too quickly. it's risky, but you don't want to let go of clapton just yet.
clapton grins, traces your jaw. "if you insist."
you're rolling your eyes with no hostility, getting up to pull something fresh on, throwing clapton a shirt he'd left that you'd had to lie to your parents about when they spotted it in your hamper.
"i can't believe you didn't know i liked you. i gave you my favorite bracelet," clapton shakes his head in disbelief as he pulls the shirt on and digs for the sweatpants he'd thrown to the ground.
"you didn't give it to me, you left it here," you scoff, climbing back in to bed.
"that's the same thing," clapton insists, picking the neon green bracelet off your desk, heart leaping at the fact that you'd kept it. he climbs in next to you, holding out an expectant hand. you place your arm in it, smiling as you let clapton slide the bracelet onto your wrist.
"there. now i gave it to you."
"yeah, whatever." you pull clapton down next to you, placing your head on his chest while his strong arms wrap around you instinctively. one of his hands reaches up to your shoulder, rubbing up and down soothingly.
"goodnight," you mumble quietly, sleep catching you quickly.
"goodnight," clapton whispers, letting it take him, too.
he'd dream about you like he usually would, but you're already in his arms like he'd always hoped.
1K notes · View notes
cstads-blog · 4 months
Text
ᴘᴇʀꜰᴇᴄᴛ | ᴄᴀʀʟᴏꜱ ꜱᴀɪɴᴢ 55
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masterlist
summary: the story of you and carlos, growing up, falling in love and finding forever
a/n: i love this one sm. its pure fluff and its actually a dream. i hope u like it as much as i do, lmk what you think :)
—————————
1997
carlos was three years old when you were born. he met you for the first time when you were just a week old. your moms had been friends since they were little kids so naturally they wanted their kids to grow up together as well.
as reyes led her little boy into the house, your mom held you in her arms on the couch. when carlos and reyes reached the room where you were, he stopped in his tracks. the little baby in front of him absolutely mesmerizing him. he climbed up onto the couch next to your mother and just stared at you, eyes wide and full of admiration.
“do you want to hold her” your mom asked carlos, who eagerly nodded. he opened his small arms and you were placed in his grasp, your mother supporting your head, reyes taking a photo to capture the moment. your little finger grabbed onto carlos’ thumb and he looked up at both women in front of him with the biggest smile on his face.
all he wanted to do was hold you. you were his now. he established that very quickly, not wanting to let go off you. he followed your mom around the house, always wanting to be where you were. he was captivated by you, the small baby. his new friend.
——
2003
you were six years old, carlos was nine. he was still as mesmerized by you now as he was the first time he saw you. you were his, he was yours. while he was three years older with many more important things going on and his new found focus in karting, he never failed to make you feel seen. he spent more time with you then the kids in his class at school. he was often bullied for it, wanting to play with the little girl. but he didn’t care.
on your first day of school, carlos led you into the building confidently. he showed you where your room was and where to meet for lunch and after school. you listened to the older boy like his words were the most important thing you would hear all day. when carlos left you at your classroom, you hugged him tightly. he assured you that everything would be okay, and you trusted him.
at six years old, everything in life was quite black and white, you didn’t know much about the world or life, but you did know that carlos was always there for you. you didn’t want him to leave you.
——
2013
you were sixteen and in school. carlos was nineteen and a development driver for red bull, starting to live out his dreams. carlos was starting to figure his life out and you were crying over your first and now ex-boyfriend. you knew carlos had a race this weekend, so you didn’t want to call him and bother him with a seemingly trivial problem. and even if you wanted to call carlos, you wouldn’t.
the girls at school bullied you for your relationship with carlos. one day when carlos was on break, he came to pick you up from school. when he pulled up to the front of the school you were standing with a few girls you considered your friends. he rolled down the window and smiled at you, you returning the smile. they all saw the way the two of you were looking at each other and felt the need to comment on it. they bullied you for having a crush on carlos, saying he just stuck around you because he had to and that he didn’t really want to spend time with you or care about you. you tried not to let it effect you, but when you got in the car and carlos started driving away you couldn’t help but let the tears fall. carlos asked what was wrong and you told him about the bullying. he sat and listened to what you were saying. he hated seeing you like this, crying over him. he never wanted you to cry, especially not with him. so he told you about how a few of the guys on the grid would make fun of him when he would call you. sharing stories about this topic was somehow calming for you. and ever so carlos, he cracked a joke about how they’re just jealous because they don’t have their own carlos sainz to call their best friend.
remembering that moment with carlos, you picked up your phone and called him. he picked up immediately, he always did. he sounded cheerful until he heard your cries through the phone. you sat on the phone with carlos for hours, just talking about anything and everything, trying to take your mind off of your ex. the call even helped him relax amid his upcoming race. that was something carlos would always cherish about you, how you could calm him down in any situation.
you had fallen asleep on the phone with carlos that night, not getting to wish him luck in his race. but he did get to tell you one thing, even if he you couldn’t hear it.
“i love you” was the last thing he said before finally hanging up the phone.
——
2019
you were twenty-two, fresh out of university, trying to find your way in the real world with a marketing degree. carlos was twenty-five and had just signed a contract with mclaren. it was christmas and you were both back home, in his childhood home. you were sitting close to each other on the couch, trying to make room for both of your families. you cuddled into carlos, a sight that wasn’t strange to witness. as you got older, you and carlos had come to realize both of your love languages were physical touch. you weren’t dating, but you and everyone knew your relationship was more than just friends.
everyone could see it in the way carlos looked at you, like you were the most important thing in his life. like you had hung the moon and the stars. he talked about you all the time, to the point where it was annoying. he mostly told his mom about you. about everything you did, from where the two of you went to dinner to your work to the new apartment you were thinking of purchasing in madrid to be closer to him when he was home. reyes could see that her son was in love with the girl, he always had been. she just needed carlos to realize that.
everyone also could see how in love with carlos you were. he was the first person you would call when you got home from work or after a long day. you hung onto carlos’ every word like they were words spoken but god himself. you would relax in carlos’ embrace and he was one of the only people who could calm you down. you suffered from anxiety and no matter how hard anyone tried the only person who could truly help you was carlos. hearing his voice, feeling his touch. when you were home with your family, you just wanted to see carlos. you would sit with your mom for hours, but the only person on your mind was carlos. your mom could tell how much you loved carlos, she knew you did when you were young, never saying anything. she just needed you to realize how much you truly loved him.
——
2020
you were twenty-three, new apartment, new job and a new puppy. carlos was twenty-six, ready to start a new season with ferrari. it was new years eve and you were at a party that carlos insisted you attend with him. the room was full of drivers and their partners, a few you knew but many you didn’t, so you clung to carlos’ arm almost the whole night. not that either of you cared, he loved feeling your touch. he led you over to the side of the room where they had set up a makeshift bar with cases of beer and other drinks sitting around. carlos handed you a beer and took one for himself as someone walked up next to him. carlos embraced the man in a friendly hug before pulling away and taking your hand again. he introduced you to the man who was going to be his teammate next year, charles leclerc. charles was nice and welcoming, talking like you’ve known each other for years, instantly feeling comfortable around him. you stood around for a bit longer, talking to charles until someone announced that there were only ten seconds to the new year.
carlos led you to the patio where everyone was standing waiting for the new years fireworks. carlos wrapped his arm around your shoulder and you leaned into his embrace, letting one hand rest across his back and the other on his stomach. the small red dress you were wearing not doing much to keep you warm, so you kept as close to carlos as possible trying to gain some of the warmth he had. you watched as everyone quickly found their partner and started counting, anxiously awaiting a new years kiss.
3
2
1
the fireworks exploded in front of you, a beautiful display of silver and gold. everyone around you kissed their partner, leaving you and carlos standing there. you looked up at him to find him already looking down at you. he had a look in his eye that was asking you the question he couldn’t find the words for. you simply nodded, giving him all he needed before he leaned down and kissed you. it was magical. those fireworks they talk about when you kiss the person you truly love were real and you were both feeling them right now. it was a kiss filled with passion and love and longing, both of you wanting this for years. when you finally pulled away for air, the smile on your face unmistakable. the boy you had been in love with for longer then you could remember was finally yours.
——
2023
you were twenty-six and adorned in a white dress that would make anyone lose their mind. carlos was twenty-nine and waiting at the alter for you, his hair done perfectly and his suit fitting in all the right places. as you linked arms with your father, a tear began to fall from his eye. his little girl was all grown up, getting married to the love of her life in her dream venue.
as they walked down the aisle with your father, carlos was standing at the alter with his five best friends behind him. when he saw you he couldn’t help the tears that began to fall down his cheeks. you smiled up at him, not being able to hold back your tears either. when you finally reached carlos, your father hugged him and gave you to your soon to be husband.
you stood in front of each other, doing what you were told by the priest. when it came time for the vows, carlos read his first. they were the most beautiful thing you had ever heard. he perfectly summed up your relationship and his love for you. you read yours and carlos listened with the utmost love in his heart. you always had a way with words and that was evident in your vows.
the priest was finally able to allow you to kiss carlos, finally being married. carlos grabbed your waist delicately, as your hands found their familiar spot on his neck. the kiss was magical, just like the first time. all of your friends and family cheered for the both of you, happy to finally see you where they always knew you would be.
that was the start of your forever, with carlos.
——
2026
you were twenty-nine and heavily pregnant. carlos was thirty-two and an absolute nervous wreck about becoming a dad. this is always what the two of you wanted, to start a family, but now that it was happening you couldn’t be more nervous. as you stood in his parents back yard in spain, surrounded by friends and family at your baby shower, it all felt a little more real. you were standing alone at the drinks table, helping yourself to another lemonade, when carlos walked up behind you and wrapped his arms around you, lifting up your belly. you let out a sigh you didn’t even know you were holding in. you thanked carlos for relieving the weight to which he just kissed your neck. you leaned into him, your feet beginning to hurt. you placed your cup down, turning around in his arms and wrapping yours around his neck. you both just stood there for a moment, taking in the few moments you had left just the two of you before you welcomed your baby into the world.
both of your moms looked at their kids, the utmost admiration in their eyes. their babies, were about to have a baby of their own. it was exactly like they had planned when they were younger, watching the kids grow up. they both always knew that their kids were destined for each other and cherished the day all of their dreams came true.
as they watched you stand there together, looking into each other’s eyes with everything you had they could tell that this was perfect. you and carlos, carlos and you. how it was always supposed to be.
this was just another chapter in your book of forever.
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2996-sana · 5 months
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a not so spicy confession
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summary: when Y/N's secret crush on Sana becomes too much to bear
beneath the old tree in the university courtyard, nayeon nudged you, a smirk playing on her lips. "you've got a serious staring problem," she teased.
you rolled your eyes and shot back, "oh, shut up. no, i don't."
chilling on a bench, jihyo joined in, nodding towards the other side of the courtyard where sana, your long-time crush, was minding her business. "yeah, the only time she has a staring problem is when sana is around," jihyo chuckled.
nayeon, with a sly grin, added her two cents. "you know, y/n, if you weren't such a coward, you wouldn't be just staring at her from afar." she shook her head in mock disappointment.
you scoffed, defending yourself, "i'm not a coward. i just... appreciate the view, okay?"
jihyo shot you a skeptical look. "appreciate the view? come on, it's been, like, forever. just go talk to her."
you shook your head, a resigned smile on your face. "nah, it's never gonna happen. sana won't be interested anyway."
nayeon smirked knowingly, "or maybe she's waiting for you to make a move, but you're just stuck in 'appreciating the view' mode."
you scoffed again, tossing a playful punch at nayeon's arm, "come on, you guys know as well as i do that sana's got a line of admirers longer than the coffee queue in the morning. why would she bother with me?"
jihyo playfully rolled her eyes, a dramatic sigh escaping her lips. "y/n, it pains me to say this, but you're actually pretty cute. it's not too far-fetched for her to be into you."
nayeon, lost in thought for a moment, suddenly perked up with excitement. "oh, that's right! remember that one time in junior year when sana asked me about you? she was like, 'hey, is y/n in class? i wanted to ask her something.' and i was like, 'why don't you ask her yourself?'"
your eyebrows shot up in surprise. "wait, what? junior year? why didn't you tell me about this before?"
nayeon, with a sheepish grin, replied, "it just randomly popped into my head now. but seriously, y/n, you've got to give yourself more credit!"
jihyo jumped back into the conversation, her tone teasing. "see, y/n? sana's not just asking about anyone. you've got her intrigued."
before you could reply, you caught the sound of sana's laugh, echoing from her table with mina and momo. nayeon nudged you, smirking, "well, there's your girl."
your cheeks turned a shade of pink. "yeah, yeah, not a big deal."
sana, mina, and momo had been tight since their move from japan, sticking together like glue throughout university. sana's laugh kept ringing out, and you couldn't help but think back to when sana's laugh had first captivated you. you wondered if, just maybe, you could ever be the reason behind that infectious laughter.
just then, jeongyeon arrived at your table. "hey, are you guys hitting up miyeon's party tomorrow night?" she asked, munching on a boiled egg.
nayeon and jihyo nodded simultaneously. "of course! you bet we'll be there, and don't worry, we're dragging y/n along too," nayeon declared with a mischievous grin.
you rolled your eyes. "yeah, yeah. i was planning to go anyway. got a ton of free time this week."
jeongyeon sighed, chewing on her boiled egg. "ugh, i wish i had free time. my super-intense calculus prof is trying to kill us with assignments."
fast forward to the day of the party, nayeon swung by your apartment, exclaiming, "ready to see your girlfriend tonight?"
you rolled your eyes as you entered the car, "sana’s not my girlfriend.”
jeongyeon giggled, "who said we were talking about sana?"
nayeon couldn't resist teasing, "you keep denying it, but the heart wants what it wants, y/n. maybe tonight's the night sana will realize you’re her soulmate."
you chuckled, "sana and i barely know each other."
jihyo joined in, "yeah, but strangers can become friends, and friends can become more than that, you know? especially at a party with the right mood and a touch of magic in the air."
nayeon added, "you know, we're all graduating soon. you might regret not making a move."
jeongyeon and jihyo chimed in agreement, teasing you more about missed opportunities and what-ifs. you, lost in thought, couldn't help but consider the possibilities.
as you arrived at the party, dahyun greeted you at the door with infectious energy, exclaiming, "what's up, what's up, party peopleeee! prepare yourselves for a night of epic proportions!"
you guys couldn't help but laugh at dahyun's lively entrance, and as you made your way inside, she continued her entertaining banter and turned to you, “unnie, grab your dancing shoes because tonight we're going to break it down on the dance floor! and if you see miyeon, give her a high-five for throwing the party of the century!"
you amused by dahyun’s obvious drunkenness turned to your junior and patted her on the head, "well, if the night's as epic as your intro, dahyun, we're in for a wild ride.”
as the night marched on, you could feel the drinks weaving a tipsy tapestry around you. laughter bubbled through the air, but amidst the cheerful chaos, your eyes kept searching for a familiar face in the lively crowd – sana.
then, you spotted her: sana, sporting the cutest brown shirt that hugged all the right places, and those glasses, a rare accessory that added an extra layer of charm. you couldn't help but marvel at how sana seemed to be the standout beauty of the night.
nayeon, with her knack for reading between the lines, couldn't resist a playful jab. "well, well, what's got you all starry-eyed? is it the snacks or someone special catching your gaze?"
jihyo and jeongyeon, sensing an opportunity for some good-natured teasing, joined in. "if you don't act fast, dex might swoop in and steal the spotlight. you wouldn't want to miss your chance forever," jeongyeon teased, the mention of dex causing a subtle shift in your mood.
suddenly, amidst the laughter and teasing, you found yourself feeling a bit low. another shot seemed like a good idea, a temporary escape from the self-doubt and lingering 'what-ifs.'
despite the lively atmosphere, you couldn't shake off a twinge of sadness. the wish to gather the courage and strike up a conversation with sana weighed heavily on you.
nayeon, always the instigator, added more fuel to the playful fire. "come on, y/n! if you don't make a move, dex is going to steal the show, and you'll be left with a bag of 'what-ifs' to ponder over in your graduation cap!"
jihyo chimed in, "you'll regret it if you don't try. plus, it's a party! everyone's a bit buzzed; it's the perfect time!"
jeongyeon, with a conspiratorial grin, added, "you've got nothing to lose and a whole lot to gain.”
despite the encouraging words, your mind swirled with uncertainty. the mention of dex stirred a pang of jealousy you hadn't anticipated, prompting you to reach for another shot, hoping it would wash away the brewing storm inside. dex, the self-proclaimed admirer of sana. he made it known to everyone that sana was his ideal girl, and you couldn't help but scoff at the thought. after all, sana was your dream girl too, so dex wasn't exactly special. yet, you had witnessed how sana gave dex the time of day, even flirting with him a bit.
the night continued, and as you downed more shots, the liquid courage only seemed to fuel the internal struggle. the pulsating music, contagious laughter, and shared moments faded into the background as you grappled with the weight of indecision and the fear of missing out.
an hour later, you found yourself feeling pretty drunk, so you decided it was time to take a breather. you excused yourself, stumbling a bit, and made your way to the kitchen, hoping that some water and maybe a snack could work their magic. as you stepped into the kitchen, though, you couldn't believe your eyes—there was dex, boldly talking up sana. this sight, for some reason, ignited a spark of annoyance within you.
summoning every ounce of sober energy you had left, you marched up to dex and sana. you cleared your throat dramatically and declared, "you guys wouldn’t make a cute couple, you know."
sana burst into laughter, a warm sound that filled the room. "y/n? you okay?" she asked, a playful glint in her eye. on the other hand, dex looked puzzled and muttered, "i think she's drunk."
you, determined to prove your sobriety, straightened up and insisted, "i'm not drunk. and even if i were, trust me, any clear-headed person could see you two wouldn't be cute together."
dex, still trying to process your bold statement, stammered, "uh, why not?"
you fired back, "well, dex, you're like a plain sandwich, and sana deserves a five-star meal. no offense, of course."
sana, thoroughly amused at the unfolding scene, exchanged an amused glance with dex, who seemed utterly perplexed by your sudden proclamation. "you're a riot, y/n," sana teased, suppressing a laugh.
dex, still looking baffled, just shrugged, and sana, with a playful smile, said, "excuse us for a moment, dex. i think y/n needs a bit of fresh air."
as sana led you out of the kitchen, you couldn't help but mutter, "i am sober, you know."
sana chuckled, "sure, y/n, of course, you are."
while climbing the stairs, sana continued to giggle, and with a teasing smile, she added, "you're the soberest person i've ever seen."
you reached what you assumed was miyeon's room but you couldn’t really process anything right now, and sana gently guided you to the bed. sana gently asked, "do you know where nayeon, jihyo, or jeongyeon is?”
sana, grabbing her phone, seemed to be in the process of contacting one of them to come to your rescue.
in the midst of this, you couldn't shake the feeling of regret creeping in. you blurted out, "are you upset with me? i mean, i interrupted you, right?"
sana, still calm and collected, assured you, "no, not upset. just want to make sure you're okay."
you knew you were gonna regret all of this tomorrow but, fueled by the liquid courage coursing through her, you decided you didn't care about the impending consequences. your world could crumble tomorrow; tonight was for saying whatever you wanted.
in the haze of inebriation, you couldn't help but make a lighthearted comment, "i have a talent for messing things up spectacularly, huh."
sana giggled, "well, you did add a bit of drama to the party, that's for sure."
sana sighed, her attempts to reach nayeon, jihyo, or jeongyeon proving unsuccessful. she turned to you, a concerned look on her face, and asked, "will you be okay staying here for a while? i can't seem to contact any of them."
you, still feeling a bit woozy, nodded and managed a small smile, "yeah, sure. it's fine."
"great," sana replied, a playful glint in her eye. "so, am i staying with you?" she asked, a teasing smile playing on her lips.
you couldn't help but blush at sana's words. "uh, yeah, sure. you can stay," you stammered.
sana giggled at your adorable reaction, then her expression turned thoughtful. "hey, remember that five-star meal comment from earlier? what was that about?"
you groaned in embarrassment, burying your face in your hands. "can we please forget about it?”
sana, however, was not one to let things go easily. she nudged you, still grinning, and asked, "is there someone you think is a five-star meal?"
you, feeling the heat rise to your cheeks, mumbled, "no one, really. it was just a silly thing i said."
but sana persisted, a mischievous glint in her eye, "come on, spill the beans. i want to know who's a five-star meal in your book."
you, still blushing, let out an exasperated laugh. "okay, fine, if i have to pick someone, it's you, okay? happy now?"
sana's eyes sparkled with delight, and she responded with a charming grin, "well, thank you for the compliment. you're not so bad yourself, you know."
sana seeing you blushing pushed even more, “so, y/n, if you were to pick someone who's worthy of me, who would it be?"
you groaned, realizing sana's playful challenge. "i don't know, maybe someone who matches your vibe?"
sana's smile widened, and she playfully poked your nose. "that's a good answer, but you're not getting away that easily. come on, anyone in particular?"
still oblivious to sana's underlying intentions, you thought for a moment and then shrugged. "i don't know, sana. you're pretty amazing. i can't think of anyone else."
sana shifted her gaze, looking at you as if she were analyzing and trying to read you. after a moment, she spoke with a knowing tone, "you like me, don't you?"
you were taken aback, your eyes widening. “what do you mean?"
sana only laughed, a musical sound that danced through the air. "i can tell, y/n. mina and momo notice it a lot too when you're staring. i think it's cute."
now thoroughly embarrassed, you stammered, "i-i don't know what you're talking about. i mean, why would i—"
sana interrupted, her laughter contagious, "relax, y/n. besides, it's not like it's a big secret."
trying to regain your composure, you managed a nervous laugh. "i didn't think it was that obvious."
sana, still wearing that mischievous grin, pushed further, "so, when you mentioned the five-star meal earlier, were you referring to yourself?"
your face turned an even deeper shade of red. "what? no!"
sana interrupted playfully, "come on, y/n, don't be shy. besides, if you think you're a five-star meal, who am i to argue?"
sana's expression softened, and she looked at you with a warmth that sent shivers down your spine. "you know, y/n, in case you were wondering, i don't mind at all."
still trying to process everything, you mumbled, "i... uh, i didn't think you'd notice."
sana winked, "i notice a lot more than you think. and i gotta say, it’s flattering. makes me feel special."
you couldn't help but smile, the tension easing. "well, i guess i can't hide anything from you."
sana leaned back, a thoughtful expression on her face. "you really shouldn't try to hide these things, y/n. life's too short for secrets."
you nodded, "yeah, you're right."
sana, with a glint of mischief in her eyes, issued a challenge. "y/n, can you say it?"
you were appalled. "say what?"
sana grinned, "that you like me. out loud."
you protested, "why do i have to say it? it's practically implied. i'm sure you know!"
sana, undeterred, playfully challenged her, "come on, y/n. it's different when you say it. try it."
you sighed, feeling cornered. "fine. i like you, okay?"
sana's eyes sparkled with amusement, and she teased, "such a charmer, y/n."
you rolled your eyes. sana, still wearing that playful grin, leaned even closer, placing a gentle kiss on your cheek. she smiled sweetly and said, "i have another challenge for you, y/n.”
"another challenge? what is it?"
sana's eyes gleamed with anticipation. "take me out on a date."
you couldn't help but blush, the realization sinking in. "are you saying... i have a chance?"
sana nodded, her gaze unwavering. "more than a chance, y/n.”
you felt a mix of excitement and disbelief, and managed a shy smile. "i never expected this."
sana leaned even closer, "i guess life is full of surprises, especially the ones that make your heart race a bit faster."
that’s when you realized that taking a chance on love – no matter how unconventional – can lead to the most extraordinary adventures (and to having the prettiest girlfriend in the room).
so, to anyone out there with a crush, just confess. you never know – you might end up with a girl like sana who thinks you're the missing piece to their puzzle. and if they reject you, just pretend it was a dare or blame it on a sudden urge for honesty. works like a charm.
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amongemeraldclouds · 2 months
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better than revenge | chapter three: from moonlight to sunrise
Can be read as a standalone, Mattheo Riddle x Reader
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Chapter three summary: Flashback when you first spoke to Mattheo and he needed your help during winter break.
Warning: Blood, swearing, no use of y/n. I’m using my creative license to bend rules that may not work in the original setting (eg. apparating at Hogwarts and so on).
Author's note: If you read this as a standalone, it’s always gonna stay as sweet as it is, no exboyfriend!Mattheo plot looming about.
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Flashback when you met me.
The moon shines brightly outside the window. I feel a yawn making its way up my throat as I head for my dorm. The place is so silent at night with most students home for the winter break.
A loud crack erupts and someone apparates ahead. What the hell? I raise my wand defensively, but then I see a figure lying on his side, cradling his stomach. I run towards him, hoping he’s not seriously hurt.
I kneel when I reach him and nearly recoil as the metallic stench of blood hits me. There’s so much blood. I close my fist to keep me in place and gently place a hand on his shoulder.
He grunts and rolls to his back, wincing in pain. I see his face and recognize Mattheo Riddle. I’ve seen him around in class and in parties, he’s the type of guy your mother would warn you about. I’ve never spoken to him before.
“Can you stand?” I ask, offering a hand and he nods. I haul him up slowly, bringing his arm around my shoulders for support. He’s heavy but we take things step by step as I walk him towards my dorm, it’s much nearer than the hospital.
I lay him down my bed and prepare a washcloth and bowl of warm water. Once I stop the bleeding and clear most of the blood on his face, I hand him a glass of water. “Thank you,” he says.
I have so many questions, but I just ask the important one. “Whoever did this to you, will they come back? Are they hunting you down?”
“If you think this is bad, you should see the other guys,” he replies, sounding smug despite his bruises.
When he lays back down, I introduce myself. “You’re lucky I study healing magic, I know some spells and have potions here that can help you. You seem injured in your stomach area, would you allow me access?”
“I’m not normally like this,” he says, embarrassed. “Usually, I’d buy you dinner first,” he quips then coughs and winces.
“And that’s what you get for being a smart ass. Permission?” I try again. He nods this time and I unbutton his shirt so I can inspect his injuries. He has two broken ribs and soreness in his abdominal area but nothing further.
I cross my fingers behind me as I think of the right spells. “Are you sure you know what you’re doing?” Mattheo interrupts my thoughts.
“Do you really have a choice?” I retort. “We can take you to Madam Pomfrey, but then you’d have a lot of questions to answer. I’m guessing it’s why you apparated here instead.”
“I meant to apparate in my room,” he tries to explain. With his injuries, I’m amazed he was able to do it at all without ripping himself to shreds in the process.
“Well, if you must know, I was the top student at my healing magic class level one and two,” I say. 
“Nerd,” he says teasing.
“You’re lucky you’re already injured or I might have a go myself. Now do you want to be treated or not?”
“I’m sorry, go ahead,” he sobers and wonders why the hell he was being such a shithead.
I recall the spells again and keep my fingers crossed behind me. I’ve never actually used them before on a living, breathing human, but he doesn’t need to know that. After three tries, it works. 
“I feel so much better,” Mattheo remarks, eyes brightening. It surprises me how captivating they are like stars twinkling in the night sky. I smile back at him.
“I just need to apply some potions, make sure you don’t get an infection then we’re all done.”
I beam after applying the last dose - all those classes and late nights studying paid off. 
“Now get some rest and I’ll take the couch. I need to monitor you for the next couple hours and reapply some of the potions. You’ll be right as rain by tomorrow,” I say.
“I can go back to my dorm, you’ve already done enough,” he says, moving to get up. 
I hold my hand out to his shoulder to stop him. “Nope, if you get up and something goes wrong, you’ll just make it difficult for me. Come on, doctor’s orders.”
He lies back down. “Fine, but the bed is big enough for the two of us,” he says tapping the side of bed for me to join him. “I’m not gonna let you take the couch. It’s not like I can move that much anyway, just don’t do anything to me,” he says playfully.
“If I had bad intentions for you, I would’ve done it already,” I say yawning, way too tired for all this.
He catches it and tamps down whatever annoying remark he was going to say. “Thank you for healing me. Come here, let’s rest,” he says in a gentle tone.
I place a pillow between us and join him after freshening up. Finally snuggled in my blanket, it doesn’t take me long to drift off to sleep.
⭐︎⭐︎⭐︎ 
Mattheo wakes up just as the first rays of sunshine filters in through the window. He looks beside him at your sleeping face, wondering how anyone could be so kind to him. Let alone someone he never spoke to before.
He also wonders why you had to be so beautiful? The way the light radiates off your face gives you an angelic quality. If you were truly an angel, he wouldn’t even doubt it.
Something in his heart flutters like an animal waking from hibernation. It was far more dangerous than any of the wizards he fought off last night. In fact, he’d rather face an army of dementors than explore this feeling.
But maybe, just maybe, he didn’t mind it at all.
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A/N: For the longest time writing this series, this was my favorite chapter.
Taglist: @hoeforvinniehackerrr @i-think-you-are-gr8 @thecraziestcrayon @adreamingpendulum @themarauderswife7 @midsoulz @ultramarinetovelvet @val-writes @lafrone @daisiesformylove @mildly-delulu @allebasi05
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welcometothejianghu · 9 months
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Welcome to another round of W2 Tells You What You Should See, where W2 (me) tries to sell you (you) on something you should be watching. Today's choice: 괴물/Beyond Evil.
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Beyond Evil is a 2021 Korean drama about two cops that solve a small-town murder that one of them might have committed. Also there's more than one murder to be solved. Also more than one of those murders happened twenty years ago. Also, the cop might have gotten away with at least one of those too.
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It got sold to me on the strength of the main pairing, which is absolutely captivating and worth the price of admission. But the entire cast is amazing, the story is great, and it's all just so satisfying. I love everyone in this weird small Korean town. I love having emotions and various Korean foods with them.
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I got five reasons why you should watch it! Read 'em!
1. Do You Want To See An Old Man Cry?
In fact, do you want to see every man cry? Do you want to see every man in the cast either cry or pretend to cry or be on the verge of tears at least once? Do you want to see the main characters, who are both men, cry multiple times, often while otherwise wet as well?
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Well, buddy, Beyond Evil has got you covered.
2. Absolute Nightmare/Absolute Nightmare
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I do not consider it a spoiler to tell you that Han Juwon (the younger one, on the right) is a very mentally unstable superboy. You already know everyone thinks Lee Dongsik (the older one, on the left) is psycho -- it's nearly the first thing you learn about him. But when you're introduced to Han Juwon, you're given the impression that maybe he's just cold, self-possessed, and competent.
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No. He is an absolute freak. This is a freak4freak relationship. They are both completely unhinged. They have both been traumatized to nigh-unimaginable degrees, and they have each decided to make it the other's problem. Fortunately (or unfortunately) for both of them, they both get off on that real hard, and they get real mad sometimes about how hard they're getting off on it. It's delicious.
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And yet what makes it great is how they're different flavors of freak. They've got the age difference (40 and 27). They've got the height difference (even though the actors are only like 1cm apart, the whole thing is somehow shot like there's a bigger gap). They've got the class difference (small town weirdo and cop royalty). One's a messy bitch, and one's a prissy prince. One has a whole network of people who affectionately endure him, and one has exactly 0.73 friends. One wants to take care of everyone else but not himself, and one has never looked out for anyone else a day in his life. One's a smug little shit, and one's ... also a smug little shit, but differently.
You have perhaps been given the impression that Beyond Evil is like Hannibal, and that Juwon/Dongsik is like Will Graham/Hannibal Lecter. It's not, and yet it scratches a similar itch, if that makes sense.
Don't let me give you the impression that this is textually gay. They do not smooch or anything, so don't be waiting for that. But holy cow, is it homoromantic -- and the leads know it is, and they roll around in it, and everyone else in the production supports their doing it. They have the kind of chemistry stars are jealous of. (It helps that the younger actor is a muffin who has a such crush on the older one.)
And that's even before the part where they get married live on national television. Is that a joke? You'll have to watch to find out.
3. Lee Changjin (and the other antagonists)
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I'll talk in a second about excellent and despicable all the bad guys are. But I need a special moment for this motherfucker right here.
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Lee Changjin is a wretched, scummy piece of shit who damn near walks away with every scene he's in. He's not the worst like a little meow meow -- he is the actual worst, and it's so good. He's sleazy. He's pathetic. He's hot as fuck. You meet his ex-wife, and you're like, no, honey, sure it was a bad decision, but I totally get it.
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Clearly he has a special place in my heart, but all the bad guys in this series are done so damn well. Their realism makes them even scarier. They're not incomprehensible ghouls out there being bad just to be bad. They're (mostly) making calculated decisions based on keeping their own heads above water, and to hell with everyone else.
I'm not going to spoil the identity of the murderer for you -- but it kind of doesn't matter, because you find out who it is less than halfway through the show (and because there are multiple people in this show who've killed someone). There's something bigger and more awful at work here, perpetrated by people that you knew were bad news from the moment you met them.
Beyond Evil is a cop show that is not copaganda, because one of the biggest villains in the series is misuse of police power. The show stresses accountability for police misconduct -- to the point where that accountability hurts characters we want to see get away with stuff because, come on, their bad behavior was totally justified! But it wasn't! The ends do not justify the means here. The world is not better when powerful people use their power to get out of the consequences of their shitty, selfish actions, even when those shitty, selfish actions were objectively kind of cool.
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Fair warning, a lot of this show is about complicated relationships with abusive, absent, deceased, and otherwise difficult parents. Those parents are not always (or even mostly) the bad guys -- but the bad guys are all shitty parents. And yet, their adult children are tied to them in complicated ways that do said children no favors. Some of the most heartbreaking pieces of the show are about how these kids break free from those parents -- or, more tragically, don't.
4. Just plain good television
This is a series that can be handled by Your Average American Television Enjoyer Who Can Handle Subtitles. Its quality is on par with a lot of well-thought-of English-language shows I've seen. It's a tight, well-plotted story that's clear enough to be easy to follow, which is sometimes a high bar for a multi-tendriled murder mystery. The small-town setting even gives it a good source of levity to break up the otherwise tight tension.
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It's only sixteen episodes long, but there are enough reveals to make a rewatch more than worth your while. The first half in particular improves exponentially on the second viewing, because once you have all the information, events and decisions that you initially read one way, you can see meant something else entirely.
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I was initially going to say that if this were in English, all those fans of things like the Wire and True Detective would be super-horny for it -- except that's not true, is it? No, shows like that (which I have seen, for the record) glorify cops who can't be held down by your damn system, so they have to say screw the rules to get things done, because they're too cool and manly for things like paperwork! While Beyond Evil acknowledges that there are some places where the Korean law system is janky and might let a guilty person go free, but that doesn't mean cops get to do whatever they want about it.
My declaration of the show's quality isn't just me judging by my own tastes. This show won the Korean equivalent of Emmys for Best Drama, Best Screenplay, and a well-deserved Best Actor for Shin Hakyun, who plays that incredibly handsome horrible old man. This is a show that actual people who hand out actual awards for good television thought deserved awards.
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So I guess if you always wanted to get into those shows a certain kind of dude can't stop talking about, but you had reservations about how authoritarian/libertarian/misogynistic/homophobic/boring they are, Beyond Evil is here for you!
5. Written and directed by women
This one I think is important as hell, because this is a Dead Girl Show (i.e., a show where men kill multiple women as a major part of the plot), and I know a lot of people are justifiably wary about those. However, there are no hints of sexual assault. The violence is gendered, but it's not sexualized. The murders and postmortem mutiliations are handled with the appropriate horror, but it's not torture porn. And the dead girls are treated like -- and grieved like -- actual humans who matter.
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I think a whole lot of this can be chalked up to the fact that both the writer and the director of Beyond Evil are women.
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In fact, not only are they both women, they're women who don't do this kind of story all the time. Shim Nayeon has directed five things, four of which are comedy/slice-of-life series. Kim Sujin has written a few dramas about mystery-solving teams, but even more comedy and adaptations of webtoons. I have no idea how the two of them got put on this drama together, but it was a perfect match.
This is not to say that men would be incapable of pulling off a story like this. It is, however, a commentary on violence, and how different it looks if you've grown up seeing yourself everywhere as its object rather than its subject. Sure, you could just flip the script and make a story about a lady punchkicker! A lot of people have, and I've enjoyed many of them! But you could also choose to tell a story about gendered violence in a way that isn't just needlessly retraumatizing the people who have to live their entire lives under its shadow. Moreover, you could tell a story about how even good-guy cops can wind up unintentionally buying into paradigms where some women are valuable and some are disposible.
...And if it winds up being teensy bit of a fantasy story about a world in which so many cops give a shit about this violence, well, that's what fiction is for, right?
In short, you love a team of powerful ladies power-drunk on an Arnold Palmer of Respect Women Juice and Sad Man Tears.
Bonus: BANGER SOUNDTRACK
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Oh, it's so, so good. (Spotify link)
Have I convinced you to watch it yet?
It's on Netflix, which may be easiest for most people! However, it's also on Viki, and I much prefer the subtitles over there, because a) they keep the flavor of the Korean terms of address, and b) they actually translate the damn episode titles (wtf Netflix?).
There's no bad way to watch it, though!
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(ack, they're so cute~)
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sheluvv-gambino · 6 months
Note
You should actually do a part 2 for e42 miles x British reader and don't worry take your time!♡♡♡
"I don't have an accent, you do!"
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A/N: Yes i been gone, i go to college now doing work. Your girl has been busy. Anyways here I am getting to requests. No I didn't proof read so yes if there is mistakes, im very aware.
pairings : e-42 miles morales x black fem!reader
summary : You and Miles start to get closer whilst you share a class.
Yeah icl your gonna have to read this >>> Part 1
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After finishing your lunch you start to head to your last two classes, which happend to have none your new friends.
Lucky me...Room 14b.
When you got to the door your face graced a smile as you saw the fine stranger that helped you earlier on today.
Miles.
"Wassup' British girl?" Miles asked looking you up down with a glint in his eyes.
"I have a name you know?!" You laughed as you walked in finding a free seat to sit down in the new setting.
"You think 'ion know that, pretty girl? It's a pretty name for a very pretty girl. I didn't know they made such gorgeous girls in England." Miles grinned following you to a seat next to you that just so happend to be free.
You looked down and smiled shyly not making eye contact with him.
"Uh uh, don't go all shy on me now."
Looking up to meet his eyes you say, "Well from what I hear you're quite the antisocial. Apparently your cold to anyone who's not your friend? You don't even get seen talking to girls!" You slyly said, your accent rolling right off your tounge captivating Miles right in that moment. You could've sworn you saw his pupils dilate.
"Well maybe I only just found the right girl to be warm too."
But before you could even respond the teacher had started the lesson
"So do any of you know what you would need to know if you answered a 'True or False' quiz to get zero percent...?"
-----------------
"C'mon Y/N you gotta come out with us!"
"Yeah it's your first night in in New York with friends."
Your friends pleaded with you to come out with them after curfew, apparently everyone sneaks out to chill after ours.
What you didn't know is that Miles' friend group and yours had been conspiring behind both of your backs.
Miles' friends had heard him talk about the girl with the 'Pretty accent' all day long and they knew if they didn't get you two together quick they were never gonna hear the end of it.
Your friends on the other hand just wanted their new British to experience love so they could have a new couple to gush over.
They both came to the conclusion that they needed you together for their own reasons but most of all because they had both seen first hand that what you had going on despite only meeting only a few days ago. It was love blooming right in their faces and both groups refused to let that light go out.
"Alright fine, I will come out. Does that make you lot happy or what?!" You asked chuckling at their anticts
"Yes very much!"
"It makes us so so happy."
"Now get that ass in pants that makes it looks great, you never know who you could see Y/N!"
-----------------
"This is where you dragged me to in the middle of the night? Don't take the piss." You asked looking unimpressed as you looked around the slightly crowded basketball court with music blasting from every direction.
"Yes, trust me you are going to love it in a minute." One of your friends replied as they dragged you somewhere.
The rest of your friends giggled as you got closer to another group.
You glared at them suspiciously not liking being left out of a topic surrounding yourself.
"We just want to talk to another group of friends. They're guys but trust me they are so nice. You might even meet one you like." Another one said with a fat grin on her face.
"I doubt it." You denied as you finally met with the other group.
Suddenly your friends started talking to the other members of the guy friends, leaving you alone with one with a purple puffer.
Great... now awkward silence.
"Oh it's pretty girl with the pretty accent!"
You look up at the sound of the familiar face and laugh when you see who it is.
"I don't have an accent, you do!"
"You do realise you're the one in a different country? You didn't notice this being New York did you?" He smirked at you looking down to see your bottoms fitting snug around your hips.
"Ha ha so funny Miles," You deadpan "So what do you hang out here regularly?"
"Yeah something like that," He answered licking his lips. He couldn't help it, you just looked too fine. "Now you look exceptionaly fine, do a spin f'me mami."
He took one hand up in the air as you slowly spun around to show him your body.
He stopped you spinning by putting one hand on your hips and pulled you in.
He dropped his face to your ear level leaning down and whispered, "Y'know I'm glad you came to Visions, I really am. I want to get to know the pretty british girl."
You pulled away slightly and looked into his eyes with hope in your eyes as he cupped your face in his hands and put his plumped lips on your pillow lips kissing you slow with passion.
-----------------
"Are they kissing yet, I can't see."
"Well Harry if you moved your fat ass head then maybe you would know!"
"Shut up you too, can we just be glad that we did this now instead of waiting to watch them pine for months before getting together by themselves."
"We'll tell them this story at their wedding."
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elliesflower · 1 year
Text
i saw you in a dream [3]
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chapter 2 here
summary; you can't get ellie off your mind
chapter; 3/? 2.9k words
cw (per chapter); recreational marijuana usage, language, anxious thoughts
a/n; wooo another chapter, also sorry this is turning into a slower burn than i thought, i'll have to write a separate one shot with some smut just to fulfill the desire until i get to the smut in this story lmao, anyways, as always let me know what you think, and find it on AO3 here :)
To say you were fascinated by Ellie may be an understatement.
In such a short amount of time, she seemed to completely captivate your mind. Fueled by the weed the two of you had smoked, you watched her become more comfortable, opening up, even if just barely. She showed you recent artwork she’d done, to which your reaction may or may not have been holy fuck, these are incredible, Ellie. 
She was funny, too, like really funny. It wasn’t often that someone could make you laugh as hard as she did, whether from a terrible character impression, or an even worse pun—seriously, it was like she studied a book on the World’s Worst Dad Jokes, or something. 
Oh, and of course, she was a million times better at teaching guitar than your actual guitar teacher. She made it easy to understand, simplifying the techniques without making you feel stupid, while teaching you new tricks along the way. To your own astonishment, she helped you to play the entire first verse all the way through the chorus, a feat you’d begun to think may not even be possible. Part of you wished she wasn’t as good, for the selfish desire to stay longer in her presence.
Toward the end of your lesson, she even let you hear her sing, and you could have sworn it was like a choir of angels had descended on the room. Despite reluctance to accept your praises, she gave you that same crooked smile, mumbling a bashful thank you under her breath before quickly changing the subject. She was cocky and confident one moment, and then reserved and soft in another.
Even though she was hard to read at times, Ellie was quickly becoming your favorite book.  
“I’d say you’re pretty well prepared for your final,” Ellie announced, breaking you out of your trance. It was getting late, but you didn’t want to leave—not yet, not when you still ached to know her better. Your high may have been wearing off, but you could have sworn your head was still above the clouds as you looked across the room at her. She met your gaze with an easy smile, her evergreen eyes low and inviting.
“I think so too,” you tried to sound casual, but it came out a bit too eager. “Seriously, I think I learned more in the past hour than I did in the past three months of class.” 
Ellie laughed, and you loved the way the sound was no longer foreign.
“Well, I’m glad I was able to help. You were easy to teach,” she said, turning away to haphazardly organize some of the drawings she’d splayed out on her desk; however, not before you caught her battling a coy smirk.
The blush you’d been fighting the past few hours threatened to surface again as you quickly stood up, opting to pack your things away into your guitar case to avoid further discomfiture. It was like Ellie flipped a switch in your brain, and you forgot how to act like a normal person. She had you caught between shy and uninhibited, you wanted to impress her, but at the same time, she was intimidating. How could one person hold this much power over your brain without even trying?
“Here,” Ellie said suddenly, breaking you out of your thoughts once more. You looked up to see her outstretched hand, with a small, black tube between her fingers—a pre-roll. 
“Sour Pineapple. It’s what we’ve been smoking today,” she explained. “Maybe try some before your final.”
“You’re telling me I need to smoke weed before my final?” You asked, grabbing the container from her before throwing your guitar case back over your shoulder. Your fingertips grazed over hers, and you only wished you could reach just that much further and touch her. You wanted to trace the veins on the back of her hand, grip her wrists and feel her heartbeat pulse beneath your fingers—but, you’d take what you could get. She wanted you to have this pre-roll. A reminder of your time together. Perhaps, that was enough. 
“If it makes you play like you did today, then yes,” Ellie laughed again, and dropped her arms to her side. She stood there for a moment, staring at you, and all you could do was stare back and wow, there was that fervid heat rising to your face again. 
“So…you got everything?” She asked, taking a glance around the room. Was she stalling? Maybe she did want you to stay…or maybe she just wanted to make sure you had everything? Oh god, why is discerning human emotions so hard?
“Uh, yeah, I think so,” your eyes followed hers around the room for a moment, but you were pretty sure you grabbed all your sheet music. 
“Okay, cool…we can head downstairs then,” she said, and there she was, slipping softly back into introversion. You nodded with a slight smile, and begrudgingly, you followed her as she made her way past you out the door.
“You gonna make it back to your dorm alright?” She asked as she descended the stairs. 
“Oh, yeah,” you replied, though you had a fleeting thought that maybe she’d offer to walk you if you’d said no. “I’m meeting my roommate at the coffee shop down the street, and we’ll walk home together.”
“Good,” she said, so quietly that you almost missed it. At the bottom of the stairs, she hovered while you grabbed your coat off the rack, and before you could slip your guitar all the way off your shoulder, she was by your side in a heartbeat.
“Let me grab that for you,” she said, and it was almost laughable how much more assured and comfortable she sounded saying those same words from just a few hours ago. You let yourself blush this time, passing the guitar to her as you slid your arms through the sleeves of your jacket. 
“Thanks for everything,” you couldn’t help but to say, and you wondered if you should reach out and touch her. Just a light graze of the arm—anything to show you were interested, that you wanted to know her favorite movie, and what she liked to do when it was raining outside, and if she likes to stay up late or wake up early, and what she likes in her coffee, if she even likes coffee, or maybe she’s a tea person, or maybe she doesn’t care for either—but the fear of rejection proved stronger. You reached for your guitar and that was it.
“Like I said, you were easy to teach,” she replied easily, handing off the guitar before opening the front door. “Seriously, you’re gonna do great. Why don’t you let me know how it goes?”
Internally, you were jumping up and down—also maybe crying, screaming, throwing up—and of course, externally, you walked past her onto the porch without missing a beat. She wants to keep in touch with you? Well, maybe you were getting ahead of yourself. She probably just needs proof of the lesson to actually receive her extra credit. Yep, that was it. 
“Oh, of– of course! I’ll…email you?” 
It dawned on you that you don’t even have her number—that initial flier only listed her email. Would it be weird to ask for her number? Was she trying to ask for your number? 
“Uh, yeah, sounds great,” she replied after a moment, and her face held a look you couldn’t quite decipher. Nervousness? Indifference? At this point, you were considering changing your major to Psychology. 
In spite of your dismay, you felt like you were swooning at the sight of her. Her face was positively glowing, bathed in the golden porch light as she leaned against the doorframe. You took a deep breath and committed the warm, vanilla musk that billowed from her house to memory. She smiled at you, softly, and it just barely made a crease next to her eyes.  
“Alright, well, thanks again,” you said, giving your own awkward smile in return. If you were trying to find a way to stay, this was definitely not sealing the deal.
“Have a good night, okay?” Ellie’s voice was soft. Whether she didn’t notice your awkwardness, or chose to spare you further embarrassment, you were grateful.
There was nothing left to say, nothing that could realistically allow you to stay without sounding crazy. So, you offered another weak smile, and turned to leave. As you walked down the steps, you faintly heard the door close, and resisted the urge to look back, or maybe run back, knock on the door again and start over. You felt a little silly, admittedly—less than five hours ago you’d nearly ran the other direction, expecting a serial killer, yet you were now quite literally hanging your head as you left, dejected.
The streetlights were just turning on in the city as you sent a quick text to Dina, confirming her location, and picked up your pace a bit. The cold air nipped at your cheeks, and you zipped up your coat to further cover your face as you walked. She was, luckily, waiting outside for you, at a small table beneath an outdoor heater. Her ponytail bounced as she nearly jumped out of her chair when she caught sight of you. 
“My god, I was starting to think maybe she did end up killing you or something,” she teased, handing you a paper coffee cup. You rolled your eyes, affectionately, and gratefully accepted the beverage, using it to warm your cold hands.
“Well, how did it go?” Dina asked, falling into step beside you. 
“I already told you, it was…good,” you smiled, bringing the cup to your lips to take a sip. Ugh, let this be a reminder to never let her order you coffee. It tasted like bitters and sadness. 
“Duh, but I need more context! Come on, you left me hanging in the middle of our conversation, you gotta give me something,” she complained, smacking you in the arm with the back of her hand. 
“I’m not giving you shit if you hit me one more time,” you threatened playfully, pointing a finger at her. She raised her hands in feign innocence. 
“Okay, okay, I’m sorry,” she laughed. 
As close as you’d gotten with Dina in just a few short months, you’d always had a hard time opening up, to anyone. Though, it’s not like she would judge you. Dina was so open about her life, sharing everything from the smallest crush she had at the moment, to even the biggest things like her mother passing away when she was young—you sometimes wished it was that easy for you to be as transparent as her. But you were never sure when you’d share too much with anyone, and scare them away. 
“She wasn’t a serial killer, for one,” you started, feeling yourself open up. “She was actually really nice, and, like, amazing at guitar…and she was also kind of cute,” you added the last part quickly and quietly, taking another sip of the terrible coffee and staring straight ahead to avoid seeing her reaction. You couldn’t resist a side-eye at her though, and her mouth was agape, an amused look on her face.
“Cute?!” She exclaimed. “You couldn’t have led with that?” 
You laughed, the anxiety in your brain slowly dwindling. It was okay. Dina wasn’t going to judge you. She cares about you. 
“Go on, go on, please,” Dina gestured to you, encouraging you to continue. Taking a deep breath, you let yourself retell the events of the past few hours, even down to the smallest details—how the two of you smoked together, how she really was like a guitar legend in a way, how it sometimes felt as though the tension was tangible in the smoky room, how you often found yourself getting lost in her eyes, how you longed to know the story of how she got the scar in her eyebrow, and wow it all came rushing out of you, you couldn’t stop, it was like word vomit and oh god you really had it bad. 
Timidly, you spared a glance over at Dina, who was nearly tripping over her own feet as she watched you, completely invested in your story. She let out a laugh, and you couldn’t tell if it was with you or at you. 
“I know, I sound insane,” you literally cringed, pressing your palm against your cheek as if to snap yourself out of it. You’d said too much, you were in too deep.
“No, no, no, not at all!” Dina laughed again, but this time it was more assuring. “I’m mostly just wondering how you had time to get in any actual guitar playing between all that chemistry you just described,” she smirked now, elbowing you playfully. This time, you laughed with her, feeling more at ease. 
“Oh shut up,” you elbowed her back, and you couldn’t help but to smile at the ground as you walked along. Perhaps a bit archaic, but you felt absolutely smitten. The thought of Ellie alone had you literally smiling at the ground.
“Tell me you got her number, at least?” She questioned as the two of you approached your dorm building. Thanks for the reminder, Dina.
“Erm, not quite,” you admitted, stopping outside the entrance. 
“Okay, then puh-lease tell me you at least pretended to still suck at guitar so that you could see her again?” She turned to face you again as she fished her student ID out of her backpack and scanned into the building. 
“Oh my god, where were you with that idea like, an hour ago?” You groaned as she swept past you through the door and into the lobby. That was a much better plan than stuttering awkwardly as you left, thus possibly ruining any future chance you may have at seeing her again.
“Oh, you know, just studying for my finals, being ignored by my roomie, the usual,” Dina sighed dramatically, one hand over her heart as you trailed behind her. You rolled your eyes at her, this time not so affectionately. 
“Don’t worry, I’ll forgive you,” she said after a moment, bumping into you softly. “As long as you promise to tell me more about this dreamy Ellie girl.”
You caught yourself smiling bashfully at the ground once more, the thought of the red-headed girl alone sending butterflies fluttering in your stomach. 
“Deal.”
******************
The next few days came and went, though more slowly than usual. Work seemed to drone on—even with students becoming more and more panicked as finals week quickly approached, the campus bookstore was surprisingly slow. You spent most of your work days standing behind the counter, mindlessly scrolling through your phone, occasionally reviewing your Woman’s Literature textbook for your test on Tuesday. At this point, it was quite possible you could pass that exam in your sleep. 
Your guitar final, though? That was a different story. 
You see, you had tried to practice by yourself, trying to remember every little technique that Ellie had taught you. The only problem with that? Then you couldn’t stop thinking about her. Albeit, you had barely stopped thinking, let alone talking about her since Saturday. Luckily, Dina was more than happy to listen, only further fueling your fantasy.
And yet, Wednesday came entirely too quickly. From the moment you woke up, the mere thought of your final cast an anxious mood on your day, stomach twisting and turning in anticipation. God, you’d done just fine when you were with Ellie, you rationally knew you could play all the way through the first verse, but it was like your fingers stopped working whenever you started picturing her in your head; eyes closed, leaning into her guitar, playing with earnest and conviction, smiling softly as she looked up at you and sang quietly.
As you sat at your desk, painting that beautiful picture in your mind, Dina laid in her bed on the other side of the room, rambling on FaceTime with one of her friends from back home about one of her upcoming finals. You tuned her out, listening to your own music quietly from your laptop as you got ready to head to your final. 
You say, ‘I want to be your girlfriend’
It wasn't really in my plans
When you're around, I've got arrhythmia
So in the end, I play pretend,
Your guitar sat propped against your bed, tormenting you silently. You were toying with the thought of actually smoking the Sour Pineapple that Ellie had gifted you. Although, part of you considered the sentimental thought that you should just keep it forever. Ugh. Having a crush was mentally exhausting. 
You clicked around on your computer, making a half-assed attempt at checking that all your other final assignments were turned in. A quiet email notification sounded through the music, and you clicked on the open tab. Your eyes almost fell out of your head when you saw the name that sat at the top of your inbox.
Ellie Williams              (no subject)
You quickly opened the message, and your heart nearly jumped out of your chest.
Good luck today!! You’re gonna do great. Let me know how it goes. You can text me if that’s easier :) 
Oh my god. Oh my god oh my god oh my god. She remembered your final. She wants you to text her. She gave you her number. She’s been thinking about you? Your smile was automatic, reaching ear to ear as the butterflies returned to your stomach. 
Dina needed to get off the phone immediately.
chapter 4 here
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nhl-stories · 1 year
Text
. – Quinn Hughes
Summary: Ignoring the pain of a break up is a lot easier when you're not best friend's with your ex's brother
Author’s Note: A song title being a period is very annoying for writing, prepare for angst below
Word Count: 4.4k​
Album Series Masterlist
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It's been so hard Ever since you broke my heart But I'll never tell Honey, I'm not doing so well
It’s like a rite of passage to get a crush on your friend’s older sibling. There’s some sort of forbidden love chemical that goes off in your brain and you just can’t help it.
You never expect anything to happen with it, maybe some embarrassing moments of staring or a few ridiculous confessions in a diary, but nothing more.
Lux wishes her crush could have been more aptly named, and the puppy love had been squashed before anything actually happened.
“Can I get into my house and wash the car off of me before you start bothering me,” Lux tries to sidestep Jack who’s sitting on her porch.
After a five-hour drive, the last thing she needs is to deal with a needy Jack. She’s physically exhausted and doesn’t feel like becoming emotionally exhausted on top of it.
“No, you ignored my texts.”
“Gee, I wonder why,” she rolls her eyes.
She tries using her suitcase to box him out and make it to the door, but of course he’s faster than her and grabs her ankle pulling her down onto the porch into a heap. She sits up with a huff, but can’t help but notice how serious Jack looks.
“Are you gonna ignore me all summer? Because you graduate next year and you may never get a summer off again!”
“You can’t expect me to just happily go hang out at the lake all summer.”
“She’s only gonna be there for like two weeks, she has a job to go back to,” he says it like it’s a selling point.
“You know it’s not just about her, but since I can already see you’re not going to stop unless I say yes, I’ll see you in two weeks,” she tries to escape again, but Jack grabs her wrist.
“Luxy, please come to the party this weekend, my mom would love to see you,” she wants to kick him for playing the mom card, “and I’ll even drive you home so you don’t have to spend the night.”
She narrows her eyes, “Yeah right, you’ll get drunk and then I’ll be held captive in the house of testosterone.”
Jack’s eyes dart around because he can’t deny the possibility of that happening.
“Don’t let Quinn ruin our summer fun,” he settles on that dagger.
“Fine,” she caves and Jack does a fist pump in response, “but you have to stay here for dinner because my mom keeps peeking through the curtain and she’ll be pissed if you leave.”
Lux wouldn’t be in the position if she had never befriended Jack in the first place. Or as she usually referred to it, Jack begrudgingly endeared himself to her.
It had started in middle school, when Jack had chosen drama class as his art elective and of course Lux had gotten assigned as his scene partner for the semester. It was the classic partnering of the ‘class disruption’ with the ‘class delight’ in hopes they’d balance each other out.
Jack was loud and brash and loved to rile up Lux, making fun of the way her cheeks would burn red in exasperation. Lux was the quiet girl in class, but one on one she could hold her own with an acid tongue that could easily rattle Jack’s demeanor. Their teacher thought she couldn’t have made a better pair.
The first time Lux went to Hughes’ house to practice lines, she fell in love.
Quinn was only a couple years older but with her tween brain rotting with hormones; Lux thought she was seeing a man for the first time, when she was always surrounded by mere boys.
Lux decided being Jack’s friend was something she needed in her life, if only for the proximity to her new crush. And when Ellen learned Lux was good in science, she recruited her to tutor Jack and the girl became ingrained in the family’s life.
For Lux and Jack their friendship grew to be a nice escape from usual social circles; a comfortable space where there were no expectations to act or talk or think a certain way.
And Lux got the extra benefit of secretly glancing at Quinn. Sure, her mouth turned to sand when he would merely say hi, or her face cherry red when she had even the slightest physical contact with him. Even if was just ruffling her hair in an older brother sort of way. But it all felt worth it for those miniscule interactions.
It was the one thing Jack never made fun of her for, maybe he thought it would fade away over time, like all of his crushes. But it never fully disappeared, even when she dated boys in her own grade, her heart held a special place for Quinn.
And against the odds something happened.
Lux went to Michigan for a college visit and Quinn offered to show her around a little.
“I can even give you a non-parent approved tour,” he had joked.
It was the first time they had spent any time alone, and something just clicked. They laughed at the same jokes, especially at Jack’s expense, talked about their futures even when Quinn’s was clearly more set in stone than Lux’s. By the end of the visit, they didn’t want to stop talking. So, they didn’t.
Texting went from occasionally, to daily. Texting turned to phone calls. Phone calls turned into visits to Quinn’s dorm to hang out and help him study.
Neither made a move for a long time. Lux, because she was worried that she might be reading too much into it. Quinn because she was still in high school and one of Jack’s friends.
Nothing happened until Jack’s graduation party. Jack was preoccupied with his other friends from hockey as they talked about the upcoming draft. And Lux was about to duck out to go to another friend’s party after she finished a piece of cake.
“Congrats valedictorian,” Quinn says, of course, while Lux has a mouthful of cake.
“Congrats on dropping out of college,” she laughs, hoping her wit covers up her nerves.
“Ouch.”
“Sorry, I spend too much time with Jack and that means keeping his ego in check.”
“The world thanks you for that,” they both laugh.
There’s a long silence, Lux fills it with finishing her cake before she gathers some courage.
“I was going to head out to another party, want to come with?”
They never made it to the party; they ended up pulling into a parking lot and making out. It was a start of a summer romance, something to enjoy before Quinn went to Vancouver and Lux to Northwestern. It was a bonus making Jack constantly annoyed by their PDA.
The summer ended and they didn’t, a long distant relationship tided over by games in Chicago, spring breaks, and summers off.
Things were great. And then they weren’t. And then they were over.
It’s been months since the breakup, but the wound is still fresh for Lux. Her grades started slipping in the last semester, she began losing weight in the bad kind of way, she stopped going out with her friends as much.
Lux wishes she was doing better. Not to show Quinn, who already had a new girlfriend, up.  Rather, to prove to him (or maybe herself) that her world didn’t end when he ended things. Most days it felt like it had.
She checks her rearview mirror for the thousandth time to make sure she looks well-rested and her eyes aren’t puffy and red from crying on the way over.
“You can do this, there will be other people and you don’t have to talk to him more than hello,” she gives herself a pep talk.
After another deep breath she gets out of her car, grabbing her overnight bag because deep down she knows she’ll end up staying.
She lets herself into the house like normal, and is surprised by how quiet it is. She walks further into the house and finds Ellen in the kitchen chopping fruit.
“Lux, it’s so good to see you!” She puts down the knife and engulfs the girl in hug, “I’m glad someone’s here to help keep them out of trouble.”
Lux follows her eyes to where a group of man-children are outside.
“That’s a lot to ask of one person,” she chuckles before meandering around the kitchen island to avoid going outside, “do you need any help?”
Ellen’s eyes soften giving Lux a sad smile before pulling her into another hug.
“I know it’s hard sweetie, but it’s going to be okay,” she squeezes her once more, “and there’s some veggies you can cut.”
Lux can’t help but notice how at home she feels here, she knows where everything is like it’s her own place, which last summer it sort of had been. She had helped the boys move in and decorate and organize.
“How’s school? Your mom tells me you’re taking the MCATs next?”
“I’m taking them, but I don’t know if I want medical school or grad school or what,” she doesn’t mention that her breakup with Quinn has her second guessing every life choice.
 “My dad thinks I should take a year off to figure it out."
"That’s not a terrible idea, you work too hard.”
“Luxy!”
“Lukey!” She laughs at the lanky teen and pulls him into a hug, “Do they feed not feed you at college? You’re all bones.”
She thinks she hears Luke mumble under his breath, “I could say the same about you,” but Ellen speaks up before she can dwell.
“He’s like a bottomless pit, we’re banishing him to Jack and Quinn’s cause he’s eating us out of house and home,” Ellen laughs from the counter.
“Good call, they got that NHL money now.”
“Why didn’t you come out and say hi?” Jack calls out when he and the boys start entering the house.
“Because I’m a polite house guest and I'm helping your mom with food,” she stabs the knife in the air to make her point.
Jack comes over and gives her a hug and a spin.
“Glad you actually came,” he whispers as he sets her down.
Some of the other boys from the National program come and give her hugs, they were never close friends but friends by proximity.
The back door opens again and Quinn comes in, hair wet from the lake and leading an equally wet girl by the waist. She knew she would see them but it doesn’t stop her heart from deflating a bit.
Lux can already picture how Quinn picked her up and jumped in the lake with her, then kissing her when they resurfaced until she wasn't mad anymore. Maybe they'd gotten more handsy under the water, until one of the guys called them out and they separated a little flustered but not enough to completely detach.
Lux knows from experience.
She feels a pinch on her side removing her from conjuring her own nightmares, “Lux, I said why didn’t I see you at my last game in Chicago?”
She looks over and blushes, embarrassed she’s been caught, she tries to pull it together before she gets any sad eyes. She’s sick of the pity everyone has been giving her.
“I had finals Z,” she rolls her eyes at Trevor.
Lux knows Z only invites her with hopes she’ll bring a cute friend with her.
“And this goes for all of you stop giving me tickets to Chicago games, I don’t care about hockey or you guys enough to go every time. I barely want to go see Jack and he only plays the Hawks like twice a year.”
She tries to ignore the fact that Quinn is standing by the island now, wrapping a towel around the new girl's shoulders while looking towards Lux.
“What about me? We went to prom together!” Cole says with fake offense.
“You only asked me because I make you look tall!”
She hates how comfortable she feels, laughing with the boys and making fun of them. Then she makes the mistake of making eye contact with Quinn’s new girl.
“Hi we haven’t met, I’m Samantha. I’m Quinn’s girlfriend,” she gives a shy wave.
To everyone’s credit they act remarkably chill about the moment, pretending there’s nothing out of the ordinary.
“I’m Lux.”
“Oh, you’re Jack’s girlfriend, he won’t shut up about you,” she smiles brightly.
Lux and Jack can’t help but let out loud, awkward laughs at the same time. Nothing has ever sounded more ridiculous.
“Jack and Lux no way,” Trevor starts to open his big mouth, “it’s Lux and–“
Lux elbows him in the ribs.
“It’s Lux and me all the way,” he puts an arm around her shoulder, “Or at least it will be when she moves to LA.”
“LA?” Quinn speaks up for the first time.
“I looked at some schools down there, it’s a maybe.”
She shrugs like it’s no big deal but feels a little smug that Quinn is so curious.
“I’m still lobbying for Princeton or Columbia,” Jack says.
“Just what Lux needs, you within driving distance all year round,” Ellen chides her middle son, “Quinn why don’t you start grilling the hamburgers.”
Quinn and Ellen head outside carrying some food supplies. Samantha thinks about staying for a second but everyone else must have a weird fake smile like Lux, because she mirrors the smile before following her boyfriend outside.
As soon as the door shuts behind her, Lux pinches Trevor on the shoulder where she can tell a sunburn is coming in.
“Ow fuck!”
“What the hell was that?”
“I wanted to help out, make Quinny jealous,” Lux furrows her brows at him, “It was working for a bit.”
“Did I ask for your help?”
“No, but you looked like you could use a win,” he shrugs.
She looks around at the other guys, they aren’t really making eye contact. She realizes she doesn’t just feel like a pathetic loser, she must look like one too.
She picks up the vegetables she sliced and carries them outside, determined to show them that she’s not broken. Even if that’s not true.
People start trickling in and it starts to become a real party. She mingles with some girls she’s met in previous summers who live in cabins nearby. She even talks to Samantha when she looks a little lost as people start interrogating Quinn about hockey.
In another life Lux and Samantha would be great friends. Lux hates her a little for that. And she drinks a little too much in response.
A haze fills her peripherals, she’s wobbly on her feet but not quite to the level of falling over or getting sick.
“Quinny!” Lux and Samantha say in the same tone when he comes by with a cup of water handing it over to his girlfriend like he used to do for Lux.
“Why didn’t you tell me how great Lux was?” Samantha says a bit too loud and too fast, “I would have made my plans to overlap with her more.”
Quinn awkwardly laughs and raises an eyebrow to Lux.
“What can I say? I’m very lovable. You know that Q,” she feels herself try to wink, but it’s not quite right.
“Luxy come be my pong partner, I need someone to drink for me,” Luke helps the girl out of the chair, he’s not allowed to heavily drink while his parents are around.
“I don’t think she needs to drink more,” Quinn warns.
“That’s none of your business anymore Quinn,” Lux says with a sharper tone than she realizes she’s capable of.
Luke is extra good at pong because he’s practically sober, while their opponents are on par with Lux. Which means there’s not much drinking to be done on Lux’s part. She can feel herself sobering up and she hates it. She hates it even more when she sees Quinn and Samantha making out by the fire pit.
“I don’t feel well,” she mumbles but Luke hears her.
“Want me to take you home?”
She looks over to see Jack didn’t hold up his end of the bargain and is too drunk to drive her home. She’s probably good to drive herself but she thinks she might drive herself into the lake on purpose.
“Um– no. I drove so it will be a whole thing with my car. I’m– I’ll just– I’ll find somewhere to lie down.”
“You can sleep in my room if you want.”
She’s silent for too long thinking about what to do, she should just go home. Ask Ellen for a ride. Anything to get away from here. She could just sleep in her car.
Instead of doing anything she pulls Luke into a hug, he wraps his arms around her. It’s like he’s holding her together.
“Whoa, are you trying to collect Hughes brothers?” Jack says loudly from across the lawn, he’s too drunk to realize it’s not exactly a funny joke.
Everyone knows what he means, Lux whips her head towards Quinn and Samantha.  She looks thoroughly clueless, but Quinn is fuming.
Lux runs into the house, she doesn’t care if she cockblocks Jack or makes him sleep on the couch, she takes his room and buries herself under the covers and sobs.
She didn’t prove to anyone that she’s doing well.
The next morning her head hurts and she can’t tell if it’s from drinking or crying too much. Jack is snoring in a makeshift bed he made on the floor, she thinks about kicking him in the ribs on her way out.
No one is up when she makes her getaway.
The next time she goes to the lake house is by accident.
She’s out with some friends from high school who go to Michigan. They start out with brunch and it spirals out of control from there.
They’re out getting pizza, all on wobbly, baby deer legs, and deciding where to go next when her friend Kylie’s fiancé comes to pick her up.
“Refueling for round two?” He laughs at the group and tries to gather Kylie.
“More like round three,” Kylie giggles and tries to plant a kiss and misses leaving a sloppy, wet kiss on his neck.
Lux and her other friends ‘aww’ at that even though it’s definitely not cute and more embarrassing.
“And you’re you sure you guys want to continue on?”
“Yeah, we’re good,” Lux gives him a thumbs up.
She isn’t entirely wrong, they make it to the next bar with little issue, though maybe the bartender shouldn’t serve them at this point.
They’re talking about planning Kylie’s bachelorette party in the way drunk girls do, too elaborate to actually be executed.
The conversation switches to their current love lives, which is not exactly the topic Lux wants to broach. At least when it comes to herself. She tries to keep the spotlight off her and that works for the most part, it’s nice to hear about her friends falling in love and their bad hookups.
“What the fuck Lux? I’ve been waiting outside for 10 minutes.”
Jack is standing over the table trying his best to look mad, but having a hard time with the four girls staring up at him in a drunken stupor.
“This a is girls’ night, you’re not invited!” Lux slurs and takes a sip through her straw, going back to her friends.
“You texted me an SOS,” he thinks for a second, “or it seemed like it cause you texted me gibberish followed by your location pin, so I thought you needed rescuing.”
“Well, you can see I’m fine so see you later,” she waves him off and her friends laugh.
“Not happening, I haven’t seen you in weeks and I drove all the way here, you’re coming with me.”
He leans forward to grab her arm only to be assaulted by a chorus of ‘nos,’ so he backs off for a bit, reaching for his wallet and taking out a few bills.
“Next round is on me.”
“She’s all yours Jacky boy,” her friend Ashley winks and grabs the cash.
“Traitor,” Lux sticks out her tongue as Jack helps her out of the booth.
“If a Hughes is gonna take you home, we’re glad it’s him,” Ashley makes a stern face, “tell Q he sucks for us.”
“Quinn doesn’t suck,” Lux says protectively, like he’s hers to protect.
“I’ll happily tell him Ash,” Jack cuts in before anyone picks at that scab anymore, “C’mon Luxy I’ll buy you some pizza.”
She reluctantly goes, blowing kisses to her friends. Jack helps her get into the car and she splays out in her seat.
And that’s how she accidentally ends up at the lake house.
“This isn’t my house?” She mumbles through a mouthful of pizza that she snuck during the drive.
“Obviously, if I have to kidnap you to hang out,so be it.”
Lux rolls her eyes, she’s too hungry and getting too sleepy to argue so she just gets out of the car, carefully because she can’t lose any precious pizza.
“Pizza delivery!” Lux yells out and makes a beeline to the fridge taking out a drink.
“Should you really be drinking more?”
“My knight and shining armor brought me to safety,” she ungracefully rubs a hand across Jack’s face, “so I might as well stay this drunk until I fall asleep.”
Jack jokingly puts a hand on her face and grabs the drink out of her hand, “then let me catch up with you a bit first.”
That’s when Quinn and Luke come into the kitchen, with Jack and Lux awkwardly holding each other’s faces.
“Girls’ night?” Quinn smirks, having been on the other side of that hand many times.
“Oh, I thought Lux was settling for the worst Hughes brother,” Luke laughs and Quinn kicks his shin.
“Lux would be so lucky,” Jack grabs a piece of pizza.
“And there would be a murder-suicide,” Quinn rolls his eyes.
If Lux was sober, she would be able to appreciate the normalcy of this moment.
“Lux can hear you and Lux,” she forgets her point for a moment, ”Lux is drunk and over Hughes brothers. Do the Tkachuks need a new friend? They even have a sister it’d be a better fit.”
“I can put a good word in for you with Brady,” Quinn snickers at the drunken rambling.
Lux grins at him and even through her drunken haze her heart does a little flip, this is what it feels like to be with her Quinn.
“Let’s get you to bed before you really embarrass yourself.”
Jack hooks an arm around her shoulder. Lux is smart enough to know what he’s implying, that’s not her Quinn anymore and she’s inebriated enough to say something she regrets. Jack won’t let that happen on his watch.
“There’s even a guest room with your name on it.”
Jack gives her some clothes to wear and tucks her into her bed.
“I know I’m your favorite Hughes,” he kisses her forehead.
“Yeah, but don’t tell anyone, it’s really embarrassing.”
Lux wakes up an hour later desperately needing to pee, she scrambles out of bed only to realize she’s still heavily under the influence. She tries to wanders the hallway in the dark, pretty sure she’s familiar enough with the layout to find her way.
She’s wrong.
Opening a door she walks into Quinn’s room, who’s just walking out of his ensuite bathroom toweling his hair, naked.
“Oh god, I’m sorry,” she slaps a hand over her eyes, “I was looking for the bathroom and this is the one I’ve used the most.”
He lightly chuckles, “it’s nothing you haven’t seen before.”
“That’s true,” she opens a crack between her fingers and peeks through.
“That wasn’t an invitation to look Lux,” he tinges pink before thumbing towards the open door, “bathroom’s free.”
“Oh right, I’ll be a second then out of your hair.”
When she comes back out, Quinn is sitting on his bed, the side that used to be hers. She can feel hot tears boiling in her eyes and tries to make a quick exit.
She trips over nothing, her faculties still not her own, and finds herself flopping her legs out and leaning against his dresser. Admitting defeat and letting herself cry.
“You okay?” Quinn gets up and takes a seat on the floor next to her.
“I’m sorry.”
“For falling down?”
“No for us. I’m sorry I cut you out and didn’t tell you how I felt and was just a shitty girlfriend.”
“You weren’t a shitty girlfriend.”
He wraps an arm around her shoulder, Lux flinches at the contact before relaxing into the familiar warmth.
“I didn’t know what I wanted and I let get in the way of a good thing,” she kicks her legs like a kid having a tantrum.
“You’re 21, unlike the weirdo Hughes brothers it’s pretty normal to not know what you want Lux.”
He gives her a little squeeze, “I also think us not being in the same city or even country for almost our whole relationship didn’t really help either.”
They sit in silence after that, they’ve always been good at reveling in a quiet moment.
But his hand is so warm on her arm and Lux can’t revel, she can’t hope, she can’t pretend that there’s more to this than just Quinn being nice. And that means fighting her drunken thoughts that are telling her to kiss him or tell him she loves him.
“Samantha seems nice.”
“Yeah?” He looks towards her, trying to hold back a smile as they make eye contact for the first time.
“And it’s nice to see you so happy, I like happy Quinn.”
“I like happy Lux; I have a feeling she hasn’t been around much.”
“No,” she squeaks out, trying to keep the dam of tears together, it doesn’t work for long.
“I’m not dealing with the breakup as well as you.”
“It’s okay,” he pulls her into his chest and lets her cry.
“I’m dealing with it a lot better than I thought I would, and I’m the one who broke up with you,” his voice sounds pinched but Lux doesn’t dare look, “and you’re gonna be okay, I’m not that great.”
Lux gives him a little slap at that comment.
“When you do finally figure out what you want, there’s going to be no stopping you.”
Lux pulls back and kisses the corner of his mouth. There’s no romance in it; it’s a goodbye to what they were.
“I wish we could have worked out, but I guess I’m dodging a bullet by not becoming a Hughes,” she lets out a laugh.
“There’s the Lux, I know,” they’re both grinning like idiots.
He gives her hand one last squeeze as she leaves, hands slowly parting until they’re too far away to touch. It doesn’t fix everything, her heart isn’t completely welded back together, but it’s a start.
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hi hi ❤️ I hope your doing well and happy New Years! Love the Highschool au i have a tiny request if it’s possible, like head-canons or a one shot of reader n eyeless jack how would they be together n how the Proxies would react to that.
Something Short
Author's Note: Sure!
TW: Red Flags, Implied Rape, Abuse, Manipulation, Guilt Tripping, Stealing Organs, Drugging, Drugs, Horny High schoolers, EJ being kinda creepy, and medical stuff.
EJ isn't the most talkative guy. He normally keeps to himself and has the reputation of the mysterious hot guy. People automatically assumed he was hot because of his mask.
You definitely heard of him before but you didn't actually meet him until you forced into the proxies group.
Toby had sent you to talk to Ben and pick up a "special device" for him, which you agreed to because you had no choice.
When you got in, you were treated with the smell of weed and laughter. Ben was laughing with a controller in his hands, sitting on a bean bag chair, Jeff was yelling at Ben with a rolled up piece of paper emitting smoke in his hand, and EJ was smoking with his mask next to him with his hood down.
As Ben ignored Jeff and walked to you, you couldn't take your eyes off of EJ. He was surprisingly handsome, but the lack of eyes somewhat scared you.
After you got Toby's order, you walked up to EJ and said hi. EJ didn't seem to care or be interested in you at the time and he just ignored you, mostly because he was as high as a kite but that besides the point.
After EJ sobers up when he got home, he kinda couldn't forget about you, but more specifically your voice. I say in this AU EJ is like, somewhat blind. Like, he can see but not the best, it's bad to the point glasses can't fix it. So, he spent the entire school day listening at the voices and waiting to find yours, and when he did he walked up to you.
The two of you talked about you classes, interest, what you planning to do after you graduated and so on. The Proxies have an ok relationship with EJ, going to him for injuries and medical supplies but no more. So when they saw him flirting and taking to their new toy, they were pissed.
They told you to not talk to EJ, or what they called the Eyeless freak, but you didn't listen. Over time you and EJ talked more and eventually went on dates. EJ was really kind and always made sure you were ok and safe, but he's also be flirtatious with you and dragging you into alleyways to kiss you and pin you to the wall or floor. His red flags didn't show to you yet, EJ is extremely good at hiding them.
The more attached you grow to him, the more they start to come out. EJ would make you spend time with mostly him and he'd keep you at his house for hours, even when it was past your curfew. You would tell him that you had to go and he'd get mad. He'd tell you how lonely it is to live alone and how he just wants you to stay a little longer. If you keep refusing, he'll go deadly quiet. The moment you turn your back, tentacles would grab you and drag you towards him. He'd tell you to be quiet so you don't alert the neighbors before knocking you out.
You'd wake up in your room with a different set of clothes and no recollection of what happened the day prior.
EJ 's knowledge on drugs makes it extremely easy for him to have you develop memory loss with minor things. So you and his relationship can stay as "wholesome and sweet" as possible.
The Proxies would eventually tell EJ to back off because they don't like to share, but EJ wouldn't just tell them that they were jealous that you preferred him over them, and how'd they should find a different victim, because you were his now.
Ej starts off really kind and sweet, but his true nature will show over time, so be careful. He's still really caring though and will do anything to keep you safe, even if he holds you captive for hours and possibly steals an extremely minor organ when your passed out or fucks your sleeping body, but hey! He's a sadistic cannibalistic doctor, you thought he'd be all loving and sweet?
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astronomoney · 2 years
Text
Pairing: Tim Drake x nb!reader (it’s not super romance heavy but I might do a part two)
Prompts: n/a this is purely self indulgent
Summary: sometimes life gives you lemons and sometimes life tells you your best friend and the guy you hate are the same person, your not sure what’s worse
Warnings: n/a
A/n: is this canon compliant? no. does it make much sense? not really. do I like and did I have fun writing it? absolutely. read at your own risk Masterlist also this should be totally nb but if you see anything that’s gender solid please let me know so I can fix it
Word count: 2k it got to long but there’s plenty of material for a second part (wink wink nudge nudge)
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Secrets Spilled
Rich people suck. More specifically, rich teenagers suck. You should know, you go to school with one. Tim Drake, the pride and joy of Gotham Academy and the adopted son of Bruce Wayne. Was he actually adopted? You didn’t remember but that didn’t matter. Mr. Wayne has a habit of picking up strays almost as bad as Batman and Tim Drake was lucky enough to end up under his umbrella of wealth.
You had 3 classes with Tim Drake. He was smart and most of the teachers liked him well enough, in fact most of the school liked him. You however hated him. Sure he was cute and he seemed nice enough and you couldn’t quite put your finger on it but something about him was just off. Like he had some big secret or something.
No one at school seemed to agree with you on that. They all thought he was a perfect angel so you stopped trying to convince them of your anti-drake agenda a long time ago. Thankfully you had one person in your life who always listened to your rants.
“He sounds like a douchebag,” Red Robin said, sitting cross legged on your bed with an ice pack against his lip. Through some minor computer shenanigans, aka illegal hacking (nothing to bad), you had met and become close friends with none other than Red Robin.
It was a mutually beneficial friendship. For him it was an apartment almost exactly halfway between safe houses so on nights like tonight when he was a little bloody and bruised he’d stop by and you’d help patch him up. For you it was a captivated audience for your late night rants.
“Oh he totally is! Thank you for that, no one ever agrees with me,” You rolled your eyes thinking about how many times you’d heard people gush about the billionaire brat. You sat down across from him and opened the first aid kit you’d just dug out from under your bed.
You were too busy rifling through the various bandages and ointments to notice your vigilante friend desperately trying to hide his smirk. “Yeah no problem,”
“He’s way smart too, which is super annoying.” You found the healing gel you were looking for. “I swear he’s hiding something, he must be like an alien or a robot or-” You looked up to see a laugh-suppressing-grin on the heros face, “Don’t laugh, I'm serious! This guy is a pain and just because he’s hot people let it slide!”
Red's face went completely serious and you could’ve sworn you saw his cheeks tint pink underneath his domino mask but then again his left side had a sizable cut on it so you really couldn’t tell. “You- you think he’s hot?”
“That is so not the point I'm trying to make!” You rolled your eyes and dabbed a bit of gel on the cut. “But yeah, his looks are like, his only redeeming quality.” Once you had laid a thin layer against the cut you used some butterfly bandages to hold it closed. It was exactly pretty but it would heal well, and the gel would make it nothing but a small scar in a week or so. “You know, you kinda look like him. Is that what you're hiding?” You used this opportunity to tap the bottom edge of the mask, resisting the urge to just take it off right then. “Rugged good looks and a billionaire smile.”
“Oh ha ha,” He retorted sarcastically, lightly moving your hand away from the fabric. You’d be lying if you said you weren’t dying to know his identity. It’s not that he didn’t want to tell you, it’s just that he’d heard you complain about his alter ego enough times to worry about your reaction, plus the whole ‘your-life-would-be-in-constant-danger-if-you-knew’ thing. Lately he’d found himself going out of his way to end up knocking on your window and he didn’t want what you had to change.
“You're no fun.” You huffed, hoping off the bed stashing the first-aid kit once again. You heard a small buzz and knew that Red had gotten an alert.
He stood up, and listen for a second. You could only guess he was getting instructions via earpiece. “Got it, I’m on my way.” He called over coms before turning back to you with an apologetic look.
You spoke before he could get an apology out. “Let me guess, some goon’s breaking open an ATM and everyone else is busy?”
“Pretty much yeah,” He ducked under your windowsill onto your fire escape. “Thanks for the help. I don’t know where I'd be without you.”
“Probably at that robbery already,” You gently shoved him the rest of the way through the window and bid him farewell. You watched him grapple off into the dim moonlight before getting back into your bed. Over the past few weeks you’d started staying up later just in case a certain someone happened by, this of course made that full 8 hours a little harder to come by. You didn’t really care though, a little less sleep for a little more time with him seemed like a fair trade.
The next morning finally came and you weren’t exactly pleased to hear the familiar beeping of your alarm clock. Still you forced yourself out of bed, pulled your uniform on and got your stuff together before heading out the door to another day at Gotham Academy.
You didn’t have any classes with Tim on Friday’s but you usually saw him passing you in the hall or at lunch. Today was different. One might even say he was avoiding you, but why. You saw a glimpse of him quickly heading away from you before second period, and at lunch you got a great view of the back of his head for about 30 seconds before he ducked out to go who knows where. Sure, you weren’t exactly friends but today it seemed he’d gone completely out of his way to make sure you didn’t see him. And it was pretty successful, at least until you literally collided with him.
School had let out and you had almost left the building before you remembered you’d left something behind, on your way back to your locker you turned a corner without caution and slammed into him at full force. It was a classic early 2000s movie scene, papers and books flying and strewn across the floor, both parties crouching down to collect up their scattered items and inevitably accidentally grabbing the wrong paper or two.
“Ah sorry, i’m so sorry I didn’t see-” That’s when you actually saw who it was you’d bumped into. “Tim?” You handed him the printed out english paper that definitely wasn’t yours.
“Sorry, I should have been watching where I was going.” He apologized as you both stood up and placed your papers in your respective books bags. Something about him was even more off then usual. He wouldn’t even meet your eyes, in fact he kept his gaze firmly to his left. Maybe he’d somehow heard you complain about him and now he wanted nothing to do with you. Maybe you’d messed it all up.
You were about to awkwardly say bye and shuffle off when a locker a little ways away from you slammed shut, startling you both and causing Tim to finally look to his right.
“Whoa what happened to your face?” You asked leaning in slightly to see the hefty gash that had been carefully held together with butterfly bandages. “That looks just like,” It clicked. “hOLY-”
“SHHH!” Tim acted fast, he clapped a hand over your mouth, effectively putting your mind shattering realization on silent and rushed the both of you into a thankfully unlocked maintenance closet nearby.
Suddenly a bajillion pieces were falling into place in your mind. Tim cursed. “God, if you know now what I think you know you’re gonna have a lot of questions. So I'm gonna move my hand but you have to be quiet about it. Ok?” He spoke softly and full of concern. After all, he may have just caused a massive overload in your brain. Your kind of enemy and your closest confidant were the same damn person, who knows what that could do to someone’s psyche.
You nodded profusely, still unable to even conjure a sound. Slowly Tim lifted his hand away from your mouth and watched you closely. You didn’t say anything for a beat, you just stared back at him and then, “What the actual fuck! You’re him and he’s- which means- I mean all this time- and… what?!?”
“Umm yeah?” In all honesty this was going better than Tim had imagined it would. Whenever he’d envisioned you finding out it usually started with you cursing him out and ended with you never talking to him again, but now here he was. You hadn’t cursed him out exactly and you were kind of still talking to him so overall, better than expected. “I wanted to tell you ages ago I swear. I just know how you feel about… well me,” He gestured down to his civilian attire. “and I wasn’t sure how you’d react.”
“All this time,” You were still definitely in shock. “All this time you were him and he was you! And you never told me! I talked about you to you! I called you hot!”
“Oh yeah, thanks by the way.” A shit eating grin had made its way onto his face and you were not pleased.
“Oh fuck off!” You sunk down to sit on a little step stool that happened to be in the closet. “I can’t believe I was so dumb. I mean how did I not see it sooner!”
Tim crouched down in front of you. “To be fair, we put a lot of effort into keeping our secrets.”
“We? Wait a second! If you’re Red Robin, that makes Batman-”
“Yup.”
“And Nightwing-”
“Oh yeah.”
“So Robin is-”
“A total pain in the ass. But yeah, it’s Damian.”
“Holy shit!”
Tim finally let himself laugh a bit at your reaction. You were smart and he knew that, there had been a few times over the past few weeks when he thought you might put it all together and he’d gone out of his way to cover it up. Including (but not limited to) a leaked story to the tabloids about a Tim-Drake-kidnapping-attempt that was thwarted by the one and only Red Robin.
While the tabloids weren’t the most believable sources it had planted a seed in your brain that Red Robin and Tim Drake were in the same place at the same time. Of course thanks to that cut on his cheek he wouldn’t need to lie to you anymore.
“Don’t laugh! I can’t believe I didn’t see this months ago. I mean your stupid mask doesn't even cover that much!” You exclaimed, throwing your arms in the air to emphasize your point.
Tim lightly grabbed your arms and brought them back down. “Ok ok, i’m serious but you seriously need to calm down.” He still had a massive grin on his face.
“I am calm!” You defended. “I mean considering. Wait, how did this start? Did you have to train long? When did you find out who Batman was? Is he really a Vampire?” You rattled off questions a mile a minute, finally the shock and slight annoyance had given way to pure curiosity.
Tim looked around the small maintenance room, contemplating a really bad idea. “I can’t explain anything else here, but if you want I can take you to the Batcave? I mean you’ve already guessed most of the secrets and even if I don't tell you the rest you’ll probably figure it out anyway.”
a/n: I broke 2k and couldn’t figure out a satisfying ending so I just called it here but if y’all show this one some love i’ll do a part too (guest appearances and everything)
taglist: @starship-argo @reveriecore @luvcoy @instabull @littlered-fangirl click here to be added :)
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ladylokilaufeyson5 · 2 years
Note
for ✨ can you do the “she falls first but he falls harder” trope with peter parker
Warnings: like one (1) swear word
You'd had a crush on Peter since sophomore year
How could anyone blame you - with that jawline, those curls, and those eyes - he looked like a god
So you fell for him, but you didn't tell him
You didn't even hang out with him that much - you only had two classes together, and you sat beside each other because of assigned seating
But then Junior year rolled around, and you were partnered for chemistry
Peter had noticed you before (how could he not, you were desk mates the year previous), but he wouldn't say you were friends
That changed when you became partners in chemistry
He found himself developing a friendship with you
He really enjoyed your company, and he invited you over to his place to study, which ended up in the two of you watching a movie
After that, you two became really close
You walked to school together, you helped each other with classes, and you went out together
This only encouraged your crush, but you knew he didn’t like you back
It was at a party half-way through Junior year when he realised
You arrived a bit later than he did, but he didn’t notice you walk in until you stopped beside him
And when he looked at you, he felt his whole world stop. He felt like he was falling down a fifty storey building, no webs to save him
Because shit, you looked so gorgeous in that outfit, and man, he’d never realised how captivating your eyes were, and never noticed the way your smile seemed to light up the entire room
He’d never noticed you
But now that he had, he couldn’t un-notice you
You were everywhere and everything - he couldn’t escape you (not that he wanted to)
Every time you sat together in chemistry or any other class, he couldn’t help but notice how close you were sitting, couldn’t help but notice when you stuck your tongue out as you were concentrating hard, couldn’t help but notice everything
He wanted to spend every minute of every day with you
That was obviously difficult, with his Spiderman duties and all, but any time he had free he spent with you
You had noticed that you spent more time with the boy, that he wanted to spend more time with you
You didn’t want to get your hopes up, but you couldn’t help it
It was your weekly movie night when Peter slipped up
You walked out of your bathroom wearing sweats and a shirt, but not any shirt
His shirt
Before he would actually think, words were falling out of his mouth
“You look beautiful”
He was almost horrified that he’d said that - he hadn’t been planning on it, but it was true. You were absolutely beautiful, especially in his shirt
You smiled bashfully and looked away, embarrassed, but you mumbled a small, “thank you”
You sat beside Peter and he pressed play on the movie
Peter really wanted to tell you. Tell you that he’d fallen for you so hard that he could barely think beyond you
But what if he ruined everything? what if you didn’t want him, and it just weirded you out?
When you fell asleep on his shoulder, he knew he was a goner, and that he had to tell someone
so he told his good friend, Gwen
The three of you had hung out before, and Gwen had definitely seen the way Peter looked at you, and vice versa
So when Peter told her that he liked you, she wasn’t surprised
She told him to go for it, but he wasn’t sure
After a LOT of nagging from Gwen, he decided to just tell you
The two of you went on a walk through the park, and Peter fidgeted nervously, before deciding to just shove his hands in his pockets
He decided to stop walking, grabbing your wrist and causing you to halt as well
“Listen, I don’t know the best way to say this, so I’m just gonna say it,” he blurted. “I like you. Like, a lot. I think about you all the time, and I really, really want to be with you. I don’t want to make it weird between us, but I thought you should know-”
You cut him off with a kiss, cupping his face in your hands
“I like you too,” you admitted with a big smile
Peter grinned right back and kissed you again
come and join the celebration!
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gh0stsp1d3r · 1 year
Text
Tangerines and deers- part 5
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“Im gonna go get something.” You said, looking in Ladybugs direction.
“Do you really think that’s necessary, deer?” He asked
“I think it is. It’s what I’m best at.” You said.
“Okay, what are you guys talking about?” Tangerine said confused.
“She has a katana. She always brings it with her.” He rolled his eyes.
“That’s.. new.”
He’s never seen anyone actually fight with one.
“And if I’m dying, I’m dying with it.” You said.
“Where is it exactly? The katana?” Tangerine asked.
“Oh, I hid it. It’s stowed away safe, why?”
“Cause Lemons looking for you both.”
“Oh, got it. Well, I’m going anyways. I’ll be quick!” You said, and ran away.
Ladybug sighed and shook his head and turned back to Tangerine.
“You know what’s waiting for us in Kyoto.”
“Mm-hm.”
“We should just get off this train. Now.”
“If you think I’m stepping off this train without lemon or the case, you must be mistaken.”
“The case is in the first- class lounge. It’s behind the bar it in a trash can. It’s yours. Uh, me I’m calling deer and we’re getting off. I’m gonna go find a temple and reevaluate my choices or something.” He pulled his phone out and began to walk. But tangerine went in front of him.
“Ooh, that sounds very lovely, but here’s the deal, I still need a fall guy. Or- girl.”
“Shit.”
You came back, panting and sitting down.
“You need a fall guy.”
“Wait what?” You said, snapping your head up.
“Yeah.”
“No, I understand. I get it.”
“It’s a bit of a conundrum, cause I’m thinking, do I hand you both back in one piece or do I chop you guys up into little pieces and stuff you inside a fucking momomon doll. That’s what’s going through my head right now.”
“That’s not fair. What about the date?” You sighed.
“Oh my god. Is that seriously all you gathered from that?”
“Yeah. It definitely was.” Ladybug answered for you.
“I have an idea. Instead of giving my amazing friend and partner here to the white death, we can use the hornet as our fall guy.”
“Friend? Hey, you finally learned something from me!” Ladybug smiled.
“That’s if we can find him, which is pretty much impossible in this goddamn train!” Tangerine said, raising his voice and clearing his throat.
“You know, before us now is just a wall, but it’s an illusion, man, it’s a construct. You know, cause within that wall sits a window. A window of opportunity.”
“I think that you meant to say door. You always say door.” You said.
“Within that wall is a door.” He corrected himself.
“I’m finding it very hard to follow this story.”
“He says it all the time.” You chime in.
“My point is, that door is closing.” He kicked tangerine and he went outside.
You sighed and stood up, ladybug laughed at him.
Tangerine got up as soon as the train started moving, and he ran. Then he hopped onto the back of the train.
❤︎︎❤︎︎❤︎︎❤︎︎❤︎︎
“Now the only question is, which one is the diesel, which one is the duck?” Lemon said as he pointed a gun at the two.
“The duck?” The girl asked.
“It’s a kids show. Thomas the train engine.” The man said.
“Close. Thomas the tank engine.” He corrected.
“Please mister. This man, he kidnapped me, and he said that he’s going to hold me for ransom.” She started crying.
“I’m sorry. I get captivated by white girl tears. Bravo. Common sense tells me that this old, shaky geezer here is the one in charge, but I’m really good at reading people, and something tells me that you are just not fucking right.”
He clicked his tongue and thought. “So.. let’s see here. I mean, I can’t shoot you both. Then I get no answers. You know what? How about this? I’m sure you’ll love this. We’re gonna play a little game. I you wanna play a game put both your hands up.”
Both of their hands were still up.
“You’re gonna close your eyes, and I’m gonna count to three. Whichever one is In charge, raise your hand, whichever one isn’t, you point at the one who is. Now if you both raise your hands or you both point at each other, I know you’re both liars and the truth ain’t in ya. And then I’ll fucking shoot you both. Ready?”
“You said you couldn’t kill us both, you’d get no answers.”
“I did say that. Didn’t I?”
“Yes.”
“Sometimes you gotta shoot first and come up with answers later.”
“One.”
Kimura thought back, and remembered that she had said if she didn’t answer the phone to kill his son.
“Two.”
He thought, he would do anything for Wataru.
“Three.”
He had his hand up, and the girl pointed a finger at him. He didn’t realize he had been shot, he looked down at his hand and the blood and collapsed onto the ground.
“Am I dreaming?” He asked as he saw a snake and was carried away by the two.
❤︎︎❤︎︎❤︎︎❤︎︎❤︎︎
Tangerine struggled to stay on, but he practically hugged the glass.
❤︎︎❤︎︎❤︎︎❤︎︎❤︎︎
Lemon and the girl had dragged him into the bathroom. He set him on the floor.
“Sorry, mate. Not your lucky day.”
He took another sip of water as the girl kept speaking, he silently hoped she would shut up.
“I have a wire in my bag, and I think that we could use it and lock the door from the outside.” She said While going through her bag.
But, as she set her bag down she must’ve forgotten to close again. Because Lemon now saw a gun in her bag. He reached into it and took it.
“It was so scary.” She said, as she tied the wire. “He said that if I didn’t do what he said, or if I yelled or anything, that he would do awful, awful things to me.”
“Then why didn’t you use this, then?” He showed her the gun.
“N-“ she struggled to find an excuse.
“Yeah, he kidnapped you and uh, gave you his gun to hold, right?”
“No, no, no. Um-“ she stood up and tried to think of something.
“Easy.” He pointed the gun at her.
“Please. I don’t know how to use a gun. I don’t know. Please.” She put her hands up.
“Fuck me. You are fucking good- you are really good. You sure you didn’t study? You’re not even afraid and your lips quivering.”
A tear came out.
“That’s a tear. That is really authentic, mate. You’re the diesel. I gotta kill ya.” He laughed.
“Please, I’m just a kid. Please.”
“How do you do that?! It’s really unbelievable!” He said as she begged.
He sighed “You are-“ He felt dizzy. He stuttered and breathed heavily.
“I got, uh… it’s fucking— you stay right there. Did you—? What the fuck is happening?” He walked back slightly “Everyone loves lemons.” Is the last thing he said, before he fell back and hit the floor.
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Text
Captivated
Analogical (Virgil & Logan)
Warnings: Intoxicated sex, smoking, blood/violence mention, jerking off
Read it on AO3!
Summary: Punk!AU where Logan is absolutely fascinated by the lead of a local band at a house show.
The harsh ring of feedback coming from the shitty speakers set up in the backyard of the house show Logan was at seemed to make his skull buzz. Contrary to what Remus tells all of their friends, he was not dragged, lied to, or forced to be here. He liked the thrum of loud music and enraged lyrics spat towards him, it was a good place to decompress and let go of the rigid persona he typically presented. He could give up the polos and ties and neatly combed hair for a night in favor of a less maintained appearance, which felt rather freeing. Tonight he’d borrowed a pair of ragged crust pants from Remus and opted to wear a sleeveless tank that showed the slightest bit of his Oxytocin formula tattoo on his shoulder, and of course exchanged his dress shoes for sturdy boots just in case he’d end up near a mosh pit. Speaking of, Remus found him just as the next song started, waving him over to the gate into the yard so they could actually hear each other. He successfully managed to work his way through the crowd and noticed that Remus was pulling something out of his pockets.
“What’s that?” Logan asked loudly, trying to be heard over the loud screaming of the song.
“I scored a few spliffs!” Remus yelled back, pulling out two of the mentioned items as well as a lighter, “Want one?”
Logan nodded, waiting for him to light his own before taking one for himself. He let the end rest in his mouth while he clicked the lighter a few times to produce a flame. He didn’t see the harm in occasional vices like these, so long as they remained occasional, and if they helped him let loose, well that’s just an added bonus. He exhaled the first hit slowly, just like the other taught him to do when they were skipping classes together in high school. 
“These aren’t laced, right?” He thought to question.
“Probably not.” Remus shrugged, “I got ‘em out of a nightstand, so unless whoever lives here wanted to poison themselves I don’t think so!” 
Logan rolled his eyes, taking another drag. Of course Remus stole them, “Let’s hope we don’t get caught then.”
“Have I ever gotten caught?”
“Don’t you remember junior year when we-”
“Have I ever faced consequences?” He shot with a grin.
Logan frowned, “Unfortunately, no.”
“Fuck you too, stiff.” Remus blew a cloud of smoke in his face with a laugh.
When the taste and smell of burning filter hit them they flicked their spliffs to the ground, taking care to stomp both of them out (If Remus was going to cause a fire, it would be intentional). There’d been a lull in sound as a new band started to set up after the last. It wasn’t much of a stage, just a few amps, a drum kit, and a platform of old wooden pallets and scrap that raised the performers up slightly. Logan leaned against the cinderblock walls of the yard separating it from the neighbors who so graciously put up with what went on here and watched over the crowd. Small groups chatted, drank, smoked and what could only be described as dicked around the venue. He took it in, smirking to himself as he thought about how just a few years ago he’d be appalled at such deviant behavior. Now, he happily participated in it all.
His attention gravitated towards the new band, notably the man at the front fussing over what looked like a bass. Heavily decorated with tattoos, piercings, and a magenta dyed mess of hair, he seemed so… compelling to Logan. He slung his instrument over himself and wandered up to the microphone set up at the front.
“Hey, shut up we’re gonna start.” He spoke, setting off the feedback on the mic again. The crowd hushed and began to gather towards the stage. The man spoke again, “We’re Fairy Certain by the way and we write songs about gay sex.”
There were four clicks of drumsticks counting the band in before noise assaulted the crowd. A fast driving beat drew people to the front, with a few people starting to headbang and form the beginnings of a pit. There were a few bars of instrumentals, before the man at the front leaned into the mic again.
“We aren’t a crime… Not on my time…”
Logan paced over to the edge of the crowd, gazing up at the stranger with a hazy expression. Lithe fingers plucked over the stings of his instrument quickly as he yelled into the microphone, captivating Logan.
“I’ll be your man…that way you can…”
His mind could have been addled by smoking, or from the rush of adrenaline the music gave him, but the singer seemed to glow up on the stage. He wondered if it was just a trick of light from the porch lamps reflecting in the second hand smoke from various sources or if it was actually radiating from the man.
“Be my boy, let’s destroy the fucking world “
Over the course of the performance, Logan got closer to the stage. He moved with the crowd, shuffling along as the tempo of each song changed. There were a few times he landed at the edge of the pit and absentmindedly pushed its participants back towards the violent center. It was one of those times when the crowd was fully ramped up that he felt a rough shove at his back, launching him forwards into the action. He was caught up in the chaos and tried to get his head on straight to escape it. He dug his shoes into the ground and shoved the nearest body, only to feel himself get slammed by another in his side. When he turned, an elbow collided with his face. In a few seconds, he was completely disoriented and knocked over onto the dusty ground. He had enough sense in him to cover his head and curl up, waiting for the pit to dissipate or for someone to pick him up. Luckily, it was only a few moments before someone was grabbing onto his arm and yanking him back to his feet.
After getting his bearings and dusting himself off, he noticed the music stopped and everyone in the immediate vicinity was staring at him. The person who grabbed him still had a hand on his shoulder. He turned to look and was met with the same man who had been performing this set. Now that he could see his face a little more clearly, he saw the touch of black eyeshadow beneath his brown eyes. He looked at Logan with a worried expression, checking for any distress in his face.
“Hey. You ok?”
Logan opened his mouth to answer but nothing came out. He nodded instead.
“Your lip is bleeding.” The stranger pointed out, “Hold on wait here.”
He watched as the other hopped back up on stage and leaned into the mic again.
“Learn your fucking show etiquette assholes, you’re supposed to pick up someone if they fall! That was our last song anyway. Whatever.” He stepped off the stage and returned to Logan, who was more or less at the peak of his trip and was unable to do much besides stare. The man grabbed his hand again and led him back into the house.
Logan was taken past a long line of people to the house’s bathroom, the two of them cutting off the next person in line for it.
“Hey what the fuck?”
“I’m just getting the first aid kit, gimme a sec.” 
Logan waited in the doorway, watching him dig around under the sink until he retrieved what he was looking for. The stranger once again grabbed his hand and tugged him towards the back of the house, grabbing keys from the chain on his belt and unlocking one of the bedrooms. He was sat down on the bed, waiting as the other opened the kit up and found some things from it.
“I’m Logan.” He managed to say. 
“Virgil.” The other responded. He took Logan’s chin in his hand as he analyzed the injury, “Don’t think you’ll need stitches but this looks pretty nasty. You took a few decent hits out there, huh?”
Logan stared at him with wide eyes, blushing, “Is it that obvious I was smoking?”
Virgil looked at him, confused at first, and then with an expression of realization, then a soft smile, “I meant in the pit, but now that you mention it your eyes seem kind of dilated.”
“Oh.”
“Just hold still for me, Logan.” He said, taking a wipe to the cut. Logan winced and would’ve pulled away if not for Virgil’s hand holding him in place. Soon enough the blood and dirt were wiped away and some salve was applied to help it heal. It helped bring him back to earth for now, his high finally dying down enough for him to feel the pain of the injury and the awkwardness of the situation.
“Sorry, I should have been more careful out there.”
“No, not your fault. Some asshole pushed you in, I saw him.”
“He didn’t happen to have no shirt and a mustache, did he?”
“He did.”
“Remus. A friend.”
“An asshole friend.”
“That defines him very well actually.” Logan said, earning a chuckle from Virgil, “Sorry to make you end your set. I liked it a lot.”
“Thanks, but don’t worry about it.” Virgil shrugged, “Rude people don’t get to hear my awesome gay sex music anyway.”
Logan smiled, “Why do you write about it?”
“Dunno. I’m gay. I have sex. I like to yell about it.” He closed the lid on the first aid kit and set it off to the side, turning back to Logan, “Why do you go to these types of shows?”
“They let me relax, as hard as that might be to believe.” Logan answered, “Plus it isn’t a bad way to meet people.”
“True.”
They both sat there on the bed for a moment. Loud music from the next set of musicians started, slightly muted by the walls of the house, filling the brief silence between them.
“I bet you meet a lot of people at these shows.”
“Sometimes.” Virgil responded, “Everyone wants a singer but no one wants a bassist. They cancel each other out.”
“Surely that’s not accurate.”
“It’s true, and yet we’re the best with our fingers.” He joked, holding up two fingers and mimicked the action of plucking a bass, “You trying to say something?”
Logan rubbed his arm nervously, “Oh, I didn’t mean like- well… you are attractive but I meant, sorry.”
Virgil laughed at the other fumbling over his words, “It’s okay, it’s cute.”
“What is?” He asked, still a little dazed.
“You are.”
“Oh…” Logan turned red. It was hard to see in the unlit bedroom, but still noticeable, “Thanks.”
“You’re welcome.” Virgil replied, “You don’t have to if you don’t want to, but do you wanna stay for more than just the music?”
It took Logan a few seconds to process what Virgil meant, but when he got it he looked back at the other man and nodded quickly.
Virgil acted quickly, going to straddle Logan’s hip and capture his lips in a kiss. He was careful to avoid hurting him further, but he couldn’t help but intensify the kiss when the faint taste of blood entered his mouth. Logan was overwhelmed just by a simple kiss. The other’s tongue piercing ran under the roof of his own mouth, while the twin hoops from his spider bites pressed into the flesh of his lips. He tried to match the force that Virgil gave, but found himself content just being the recipient of the affection, only making a lazy attempt to lick into the other’s mouth occasionally.
After a few minutes of this, Virgil pulled away, taking in the sight of a lust drunk Logan. He pushed him to the bed lightly before going at it again, this time letting a hand roam underneath the thin fabric of Logan’s shirt. The feeling of Virgil’s hands exploring his skin excited him and he arched into the touch as soon as his hand ghosted over his pecs. A soft moan left his mouth, causing Virgil to smile against his.
“You like that baby?”
“Mhm.” He responded.
“You want more than this?”
Logan gasped as Virgil ran his thumb over his nipple, “Please, yeah.”
“Let’s get these out of the way then.” Virgil said, playing with the hem of Logan’s shirt and pants.
They both quickly scrambled out of their clothes, flinging them out of the way as they pressed quick kisses and gentle touches to each other's newly exposed skin. When they stripped down to just boxers, Virgil urged Logan to lay down on the bed once again. He rubbed at the other’s thighs as he hovered over him, quickly noticing the small wet patch forming at the top of the tent in Logan’s underwear.
“Fuck, so hard already? That’s fucking adorable.”
“Virgil…” Logan whined.
“I know babe, I know.” He reached to pull his own length out of his boxers, spitting on his hand and slicking himself up, letting a quiet moan leave his lips as he did. Once he worked himself up he took out Logan’s cock, leaning forward until he held them both in his hand. He stroked them together, listening past the loud music coming from outside to hear all of Logan’s noises.
Logan bucked his hips up into Virgil’s hand, looking at how handsome he looked above him. Tattoos covering his chest, arms, and sides, all glistening with the effort of performing both before and now. His expression, lips slightly parted, brow furrowed, messy hair sticking to his forehead, and eyes squeezed shut in focus as he jerked them together, it was so incredibly hot. He let out a groan as the other twisted his wrist just right so his palm ran over the head of his dick. 
Virgil opened his eyes to see Logan writhing in pleasure beneath him, his hands gripping the sheets beneath him. He moved his hand over their lengths faster, gripping them harder than before.
“Fuckkkk Logan, feels good.”
“Uh-huh, faster!”
“You want more? Huh?”
“Yes!”
Virgil increased his pace and leaned forward to kiss him again, not being as gentle as before and biting Logan’s lip between his teeth as they got off. They both thrusted into his grip, moaning into each other’s mouth. It was when Virgil ran his tongue piercing over the fresh cut on his lip that Logan felt that familiar heat curling in his veins.
“ ‘m close!”
“Me too, shit-” Virgil cried as he stroked them as fast as he could. He captured Logan’s mouth in another long-lasting kiss, the other whining constantly as his orgasm built.
With a final couple touches from Virgil, they both toppled over the edge together. They spilled over each other’s cocks and stomachs, panting from the quick fuck. Once they rode out the pleasure, they collapsed beside each other on the bed.
VIrgil was the first one to break the silence of the afterglow, “How’re you doing, Lo?”
“That was really good.” Logan breathed, turning his head to rest against the other boy’s shoulder.
“Good, good.” Virgil sighed and reached for his shirt, cleaning the come off of the both of them. Logan watched and grimaced.
“You’re not going to wear that out, are you?”
“No, I’ll just toss it in the laundry tonight.” He replied, throwing it off to a corner of the room.
“Wait.” Logan finally put the two dots together, “You live here?”
Virgil nodded, “Yeah. I wouldn’t be as much of an ass about everything tonight if it wasn’t my place.”
Logan thought for a moment, “Was your door unlocked when you came in here?”
Virgil looked at him with curiosity, “Uh, yeah, I thought I locked it but I guess I didn’t. Which is weird because I normally check a bunch of times to make sure it’s really-”
“Check your drawers.”
Virgil leaned over to check the bedside dresser drawer where he kept all his smoking stuff that he usually used to relax before bed and, lo and behold, a few joints and spliffs he rolled before were missing.
“How did you-”
“I’ll make Remus pay you back.”
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koiir · 2 years
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「 Tell me why you gotta look at me that way, you know what it does to me 」
Genre - fluff
Characters - heizou, ayato, Kaeya, gorou
Info - high school au
Synopsis - eye contact with them
a/n - I swear this whole week I’ve made so much eye contact with my crush, so that was basically the inspo for this
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Even though, you two aren’t friends, you two still glance at each other quite often. You and heizou also find yourself to be somewhat forced at times, for example, being in the same group together. That one time you two were in the same group and at first you two didn’t talk, but after some time, the two of you start engaging with one another and hit it off. You two laugh at what the other person says and you both can’t seem to get enough of each other. After that day, you found yourself glancing at him more than you ever have, in the hallway, in class, at lunch. Whenever you see him, your eyes are glued to him. And the same can be said about heizou. He will even go as far to get your attention in ways like, walking near you in the hallway, moving closer to you, or even dropping his pencil in your direction and picking it up. He knows what he’s doing. Yet doesn’t have the courage to actually talk to you, but who knows, maybe the universe will force you two together.
Ayato who will always, give you smirk once you two make eye contact. He enjoys watching you turn around or find some way to avoid his eyes. But the worst part is when he calls you out for it, which is every, single, time. He will always, find a way to annoy you. But you can help your eyes when you gaze at him doing his work. He usual smile set in his face, his fingers moving his pen, they way he looks so focused on his work, it’s captivating. Thankfully, he’s never found you gazing at him, daydreaming you can say. Or so you think, because even though he doesn’t look up from his paper, he can still see you gazing at him. Thus why he always tries to look appealing. Even though he doesn’t need too (cause he’s naturally a beauty) but he can’t help but blush at the thought of you looking at him with so much adoration. Ayato can’t help but want more, more from you.
A flirt he is, but just with you. Kaeya wants you to be the only person he can fluster, and he does the perfect job of doing so. It almost like, he’s following you ever where you go! I’m the hallways, in classes, everywhere! Sometimes, even out of school. And if you do encounter him, expect a wink or smirk. Whenever you react to his tactics by rolling your eyes or blushing, he’ll always make a fool out of you. If you’re with your friends, he won’t hesitate to make you embarrassed. But Kaeya means no harm! He doesn’t want you thinking he’s an asshole. If you genuinely get annoyed, he’ll apologize right away. He doesn’t want to ruin his chances with you, because he wants to be the only person who can make you smile, laugh, be the reason for your happiness.
In the corner of your eye you see gorou, who is looking right in your direction. You don’t notice until your friend tells you, so you look up and see him staring at you. He immediately looks away, blush coating his cheeks. You can’t help but smile, realizing how easy it was to fluster the boy. This wasn’t the first time you caught him though, he will glance at you a ton in class. And it’s not like you don’t notice, but you don’t want to embarrass him. So you act as if you don’t notice his gaze. Other than just glancing at you in the hallway, he will always, try to get close to you. Like that one time in the hallway, you two were walking in the same hallway and he moved next to you. But once you glanced at him, he rushed to his class. With a blush coating his cheeks. He’s just so nervous! Gorou can’t help it, he just wishes he wasn’t so awkward. Maybe one day he will get the courage to talk you. But for now, eying you is the best he can do.
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Cheeky little Angel
The first installment of this project is done! I’m actually really proud of myself. Due to the fact that someone I’m avoiding is stalking my Ao3, posting it there is going to be kind of delayed for the moment, but it’s going here. 
It’s not proofread or anything yet, so if you see typos, no you didn’t.
Taglist: @apoziopeze3​ @belsw06 @yvive​ @annahhopee​​
(Feel like everyone already knows the typical drill. Bolded names couldn’t be tagged for whatever reason. I’ll see if I can tag them in the replies.)
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CW: Mainly just background building, canon? Who’s that?, Minimal David/Angel interactions (there will be more in the next chapter I promise), Alexis is kind of a bully but no slander to her, Angel and Vincent had such potential best friend energy, William is a dad, GN listener
Summary: Angel was pulled from their former class by William Solaire, now staying with him and his two children as a ward. Everything seems pretty good, even if Vincent made them lose and Alexis doesn’t seem to like them very much. But how can they grow closer to a certain Marquess?
Redacted Masterlist
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Angel put down the card with a smirk, pressing their remaining cards close to their chest. Smoke lingered in the air, gathering in the corners as the smell of tobacco permeated every sense. It was thick enough to practically feel. Angel would have coughed as it felt stuck in the back of their throat, but they didn't want to risk revealing any cards still in their hand.
They didn't stay awake this long, simply to lose because the smoke felt suffocating.
"Should we open the window? There are youngsters here after all." An accented voice spoke up. Angel glanced towards the source and smiled gratefully towards William Solaire. He returned the smile and Angel pulled the cards closer to their face, staring at the numbers and suits as they awaited their turn to roll around again.
They didn't particularly enjoy dinner parties, nor understood the innate desire for them. But then again, most were thrown by the upper class, something that Angel was certainly not.
At least not in title. However, Angel had a particular skill of attracting the company of the noble class and getting the connections. William was their closest friend though. Angel wasn't really sure how old he was. Old enough to have two grown children, but Angel had never met his wife. They had heard that Alexis and Vincent were adopted, but they didn't see how that was relevant, so they never bothered to confirm the rumors. Either way, William had always been kind to them. He bought them clothes, let them stay in his house, and now they got to play cards with him and his companions.
They had first met William when the nobles held a festival where the middle and lower class were allowed to attend. Their more cynical friends had said it was just because the nobles wanted to stare as if they were looking at animals in captivity. Angel didn't care though since free food and entertainment had been promised. William had been one of the main financers of the festival and been asking around randomly if the attendees were enjoying themselves. Apparently he wished to finance a festival annually and wanted to know how he might be able to improve it. Angel had been one of the surveyed and their energy had amused William. One conversation turned to two, then invitation for a meal with his family - His daughter, Alexis, had not been in attendance - and Angel had clicked with Vincent as well. Then they just came around more often. They even had their own room now within William's home. All throughout their time with the Solaires, they had only met Alexis once and that was very briefly. She had mistaken Angel as one of William's servants and asked for Angel to fetch her lady's maid. Throughout time, they had essentially become his ward. Happily, I might add.
"Your turn." Vincent said from where he sat to Angel's right. They nodded and looked down at the table, squinting slightly. One of the problems with playing a common card game amongst the noble class, was that Angel didn't really fully grasp how to play. They knew a few of the basics which was how they were still in the game instead of sitting out on the sidelines. Their brow furrowed for a moment as Vincent leaned back in his seat to glance at their cards. Angel scowled at him and he rolled his eyes before tapping one of his cards. They stared for a moment before hesitantly placing down their own cards in the same placement. Vincent smiled and they returned the action with a grateful grin.
They were out in the next round.
꒰ა ♡ ໒꒱
Angel presses their face further into the pillow, the sheets all twisted and messed up amongst their tangled limbs. Back at their old home their bed is small. The bed they have at William's house has space for them to spread out and then more some. They aren't sure how his servants accomplish it, but the sheets are always so soft and smell faintly of lavender. They don't mind the smell, but it's odd. They sit up, the curtains already drawn back and clothes laid neatly on the chaise in the corner of the room. Angel wasn't used to having a servant change them as William had discovered on one of Angel's first overnight stays here.
It had been no fault of the servant of course, they were only trying to complete a task on the long list of chores they had for the day. But the moment they had tried to peel away Angel's sleepwear, they had run into the hall with a yelp. Now clothes were laid out for them to get into. Not too complex of clothing, and if Angel needed help, they could always pull the cord on the side of the headboard.
Once they were changed, the exited their room, closing the door behind them. Their hair was still messy from sleep, but they were just going to ignore it. Besides, while they were eating one of the maids often took it upon herself to style their hair for them. Angel was pretty sure it was the same maid that styled Vincent and Alexis's hair for them as well. What was her name - they were horrible with remembering names - they were pretty sure it started with an H. Henley perhaps?
They opened the door and entered the sunroom. William always took his tea and the morning paper here. And if there was tea, there were bound to be snacks.
"Good morning, my dear. Did you have a good rest?" He asked, looking up from his paper upon Angel's arrival. Angel nodded and yawned as they reached for a pastry before curling up on one of the armchairs. William chuckled and looked back at his paper.
"Vincent is a cheater. He made me lose last night. Did you see how he convinced me to play that card and then play his card when it was his turn that overpowered all mine?" Angel asked after they had taken a bite. They watched as his nose scrunched to hold back more of his laughter before he folded the paper neatly and placed it in his lap to look at them.
"I have always found you clever. But you ought have known better then to trust Vinny when he makes you a... suggestion in a competitive game where he is taking part." He was amused by the antics, Angel could tell. They stuck their tongue out at him and he laughed this time freely.
"Are you disparaging my good name?" Another voice asked and Angel looked over as the aforementioned man walked in. They smiled mischievously and Vincent raised an eyebrow, arms crossing over his chest. He was wearing red today, his vest a maroon with black embroidery. He looked dashing, but he was still the man who made Angel lose the previous night. So he would get no compliments from them, even if typically Angel gave them freely.
"Of course not Vinny. Do you take me as some sort of heathen?" Angel said and Vincent scowled at them playfully.
"Can you belie-" He asked, turning towards his left before sighing and looking towards the door fully. "Sam, you don't need to linger at the door like that. Come in already." He said and another man walked in, looking kind of sheepish. William made a small sound and stood up, his arms spreading wide with a grin.
"Sam! I see you're finally back from your travels. How was it? Were the locals in the areas you went to kind?" He asked and Sam grew a little less sheepish and a bit more embarrassed. Angel grabbed another pastry to help satisfy their sweet craving as they looked at the three men.
"It was... interesting certainly. I am glad to be home though." Sam said and Angel was delighted to hear the soft drawling accent in his voice. As if Angel's delight was verbal, Sam looked towards them and tipped his head. "Hello there." He said and Angel waved, their other hand placing over their lips as they chewed.
"Angel, this is Sam. He's a dear friend of ours. Sam, this is Angel. They're something of my ward." William introduced and Sam smiled at Angel.
"I know what that's like. William is very spoiling, isn't he?" Sam asked and Angel snickered as they nodded.
"He gave me a really big bed when I told him I don't mind a small one or anything." They agreed and Sam laughed. Angel decided that they liked him. They paused though upon hearing the clack of heels on the wooden floor and Alexis entered the room. She also wore red, but while Vincent's clothing varied in shades of red, hers was simply all blood red. Even the lace trimming. Angel didn't miss the way that Sam tensed at her morning greeting, nor the way that William stepped between the two, practically protective. But not of his daughter. Rather as if he was protecting Sam from Alexis. Angel looked over at Vincent, catching his eye, and he just gave a slow small shake of his head.
"I'm going out for the day. I need your carriage." Alexis said. They had noticed that she never really asked for anything. Simply stated her needs and waited for them to be met. It was unnerving the way she forced everyone to bend to her will eventually so she could get her desired end result. Everyone but William and Vincent anyways.
"Of course. Just stay in sight of the footman please." William said. What might be seen as a father relenting to his daughter's demands, Angel viewed differently. It was obvious whatever history between Sam and Alexis made the former very uncomfortable in her presence and denying Alexis would only make her linger until she got what she wanted. William was separating the two.
Alexis groaned, clearly not fully satisfied with the conditions of her request and she stepped fully into the room. Angel froze as she saw Sam practically flinch as his hands curled into shaking fists. Vincent straightened up in preparation. Of what, Angel didn't know.
"I don't want to be babysat like a governess with a charge by a footman, William." Alexis argued and her gaze slid to Sam. "I'll take Sam with me instead. How about that?" Sam glared at her and it was then Angel realized his reactions had fear and uncomfortability in them, yes. But also anger. He was angry at her and she seemed pleased with it, just as long as Sam was looking at her.
"I can go. I think Vincent and Sam were going to help William with something right now anyways." Angel stood up and offered before William could try to think of an excuse. They walked towards Alexis with a smile, even though their blood chilled for moment. William watched them before sensing they had their mind made up and he looked at Alexis with a determined set of his brows.
"Angel is right. My apologies, Alexis dear." William agreed, holding up a hand to silence Vincent before he could fully begin his protest. Alexis sighed and eyed Angel for a long moment. They tried not to squirm under the scrutiny. Finally after several long moments, Alexis sighed and turned around to leave. Which apparently meant that Angel got the go-ahead. They waved to Sam with a grin before going after her. Sure, they would be uncomfortable. But it was just that. Not fear or anger too. Well... maybe a tinge of fear. But Alexis made a very intimidating figure, and Angel had never gotten a chance to actually know her. They only knew horror stories from Vincent. Hopefully their friend just liked to play up the dramatics to provoke a reaction from them and Alexis wasn't actually as much of a hellion like Vincent claimed.
"So... where are we going?" Angel asked as they fell into step with her. She looked over at them as if they were something gross she had just stepped in. Angel tried not to take it personally. Maybe she just always looked so disgusted when she was relaxed. ... yeah this wasn't going to be fun.
"Your hair is a mess." She said, sounding exasperated. Angel raised a hand to touch the top of their head before laughing nervously.
"Yeah. I.. uh... haven't had a chance to style it." They excused. Alexis clicked her tongue and shrugged as she exited the house. Angel followed behind her, already looking miserable. And they hadn't even gotten an answer to their question yet.
꒰ა ♡ ໒꒱
The carriage ride was just as uncomfortable as you might imagine. Angel didn't like long spaces of silence and Alexis seemed to delight in the way that Angel squirmed and wriggled. When the footman opened the carriage door, Angel practically leapt out, desperate for solace from the intense atmosphere in the bubble of space. Alexis left the carriage far more gracefully before sighing and looking at Angel.
"Come here and I'll fix your hair." She said as if offering a favor to a child. Angel frowned but obeyed nonetheless, letting Alexis adjust their messy hair to her liking. When she finally deemed them acceptable, she started towards a dress shop. Angel blinked and followed after her, eying all the well dressed people loitering and moving along the sidewalks. Angel smoothed down the front of their clothing. There was embroidery. After all it was difficult to escape decorated fabrics in this class. But theirs was so simplistic in comparison.
Alexis opened the door of one of the shops, causing the bell to ring. They stepped in after her, staring around them in awe of all the different colored fabrics.
"Alexis, it's all so beautiful." They breathed. She look at them before rolling her eyes and adjusting the off the shoulder sleeves of her dress. Everyone loved to copy the style of dress the queen wore, so more and more often women's shoulders were being exposed. Angel didn't really care who showed off what. They had their own concerns. Alexis grabbed their wrist to drag them with her as she approached the counter. That's when Angel froze, their eyes locking on a figure who was quietly arguing with another girl.
He was tall, and if Alexis stood next to his intimidating aura, the Solaire would seem like a sweet puppy. But while she scared Angel, this man had a different quality to him. He was almost sweet in a scary way. The way that wolves were scary, but also friend shaped and fluffy. They tapped her shoulder, getting Alexis's attention.
"Who's that man over there?" They whispered. Alexis followed their finger before swatting their hand down with a huff.
"Not all nobility know who each other are. That's like me pointing to some random street urchin and asking you what their name is." She grumbled and Angel looked over at her confused.
"So you don't know him?" They asked in return and Alexis glared at them.
"Well of course I do, but don't just assume! That's David Shaw. He's the head of the Shaw household. It's another old name, like the Solaires. He's the only living blood Shaw, but the way that William has friends that are considered on the same level as the Solaire family, so does he. They're utterly brutish if you ask me." She sniffed. That was all Angel needed to know as the untangled their wrist from her grasp as she spoke to the tailor about a dress she had ordered earlier in the month. They walked over to David and the lady he was arguing with, catching the last bit of her sentence.
"-hold him in line. Although don't expect me to not bring this up the next time you need something." David sighed and rubbed his temples. While everyone wore splashes of color, David wore black clothing. Angel would have thought him in mourning. But everyone they knew in mourning always had a sad feel to them. David just seemed agitated.
"Yes, I expected as much. Regardless, thank you Arden." He said. His voice was low and husky, sending shivers running every which way through their body. Angel rubbed their palms on their sides and took a deep breath. Arden glanced over at them, looking confused before looking at David and then smirking. They nodded, patted David arm and wandered away.
"Hi mister Shaw." Angel chirped and David looked at them, his eyebrow arching as he stared at them. Angel supposed if he had a title he was wondering why they hadn't used. But Alexis hadn't told them what title was, they were beginning to realize. Oh well, hopefully he didn't mind.
"Have you been following me?" David asked as he narrowed his eyes. Angel blinked, processing what he said, and tilted their head with confusion.
Following him? Why would he think that? They wondered, but they shook their head.
"No. I haven't, sir." They said, just as cheerfully. His jaw clenched the line growing more defined. Angel's heart fluttered and they smiled at him again.
"How do you know my name then? I don't recall meeting you." He asked again. Angel supposed he had a point there. After all, Angel had no idea who he was or that he existed up until a few moments ago.
"Oh. I asked a friend if they knew who you were when I saw you enter. You're just so beautiful, I couldn't run the risk of not meeting you." Angel answered with a shrug. They delighted in the way David's eyes widened with shock and his lips parted. They looked soft. "Your lips look very soft." They added. That actually made him take a small step back from them as a strangled sound left his throat. Angel wondered if they had crossed a line. The noble class was far more reserved than Angel. It was kind of sad how compliments were so restricted. Vincent said it was for propriety, but what wasn't proper about telling someone how you viewed them and boosting their ego and confidence?
"Do... do you talk like this to everyone you know?" He asked when he finally regained control of himself. Angel tipped their head to a side as their finger tapped the bottom curve of their lip before answering him.
"Only the striking ones." They said simply and watched as he only grew flustered again. It was easy to fluster him. Vincent often just entered a complimenting game with Angel. But David seemed more reserved then that. Held back. "You're very in control of yourself, I can tell." They added, watching curiously as something flashed over his eyes and he actually smirked for a moment.
Before Angel, or David for that matter, could say something else, a hand closed over Angel's mouth. They squeaked in surprise and David's brows furrowed for a moment. Angel heard Alexis's voice next to their ear.
"Apologies, Lord Shaw." Alexis said. That offered Angel no information other than they had totally butchered David's title. But he hadn't bother to correct them at all. You called multiple titles a lord or lady. All it said was that he was kind of high up. Angel couldn't remember. David dipped his head.
"Lady Alexis. There's nothing you need to apologize for. I'm guessing you're the friend they were talking about?" David's tone sounded different when he was talking to Alexis versus how he spoke to Angel. Almost more... clipped. Alexis laughed as Angel tried to pry her hand off their face but she only dug her finger in more.
"I'm not their friend. My father had them sent to be my bodyguard. Ridiculous, but I suppose a Duke does have enemies." Angel side-eyed Alexis at the unnecessary name drop, their hands at their sides upon giving up on freeing themselves. David just nodded, not offering any verbal addition. The silence dragged on for a few moments before Alexis huffed and shoved a box into Angel's arms, finally letting go of their face. "Make yourself useful and hold those for me. Don't you dare ruin them. And stop dilly-dallying and come with me. I want to go home and make sure the modiste didn't mess up my order." Alexis said, grabbing Angel's forearm and pulling them. They looked back at David and grinned.
"I guess I'll see you around sometime, Lord Shaw!" They said as Alexis pulled them out the door. David watched them leave, staying quiet. He waited for them to enter the carriage before lifting his fingers to his lips for a moment.
"So... who was that?" Arden asked as she rejoined him. David looked at her and sighed.
"No clue. A friend of the Solaires if nothing else. He does have a reputation for taking people in." David said before shrugging. "It doesn't matter. One time interaction, nothing more. Now shall we? I don't want to stay here longer than I must."
꒰ა ♡ ໒꒱
Alexis turned out to be rather furious that Angel just went up and talked to David if her scolding all the way home was anything to go off of. Which Angel would have been fine with. It was better than the alternative silence. But then she dragged Angel to William to complain about how Angel was rude and improper. And they couldn't stand for that slander. Vincent just laughed when Alexis was done with her verbal tirade, and Angel glanced at him.
"What are you laughing about, mistake?" She asked venomously. (rest written on computer -->) William’s small smile dropped immediately, but Vincent didn’t seem to take any offense. He simply looked at her, still smiling. 
“What’s funny, Alexis, is that you genuinely thought that William would believe that Angel is rude. Improper, maybe. I can see that. But that doesn’t come from a place of malice. They’re just oblivious to the current propriety standards. It’s part of why their company is so enjoyable. They’re refreshing.” Vincent defended with a shrug. Angel sighed as Alexis left, fuming. They sank down in one of the chairs that sat in the study. William leaned forward, steepling his fingers. 
“Did you at least have fun on your excursion, Angel?” He asked, his voice sympathetic. Angel looked at him and shrugged before closing their eyes. They were tired. They left William and Vincent’s conversation fade into background noise as they slowly slipped into sleep. 
꒰ა ♡ ໒꒱
When they awoke, they were still in the chair but they had a blanket over them. They weren’t sure which of the two men had put the blanket on them but they pushed it off and stretched with a yawn. Naps were a luxury they certainly enjoyed. They exited the office, closing the door softly behind them. The blanket had been folded and sat on the seat cushion of the chair. They wandered down the hall, arms swinging as they walked, humming softly and blissfully ignorant of the way they now tormented someone’s thoughts. 
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